This board meeting was a week late. Originally it was scheduled for July 14th, but it had to be rescheduled since the superintendent had to attend an important school-related event last week. This meeting lasted about forty-five minutes and several community members were in attendance besides the usual staff and board members. The highlights are as follows:
1) Superintendent's Report: Summer school was characterized as a success. Summer projects were listed. At the elementary technology upgrades, painting, and parking lot repaving are in progress. At the high school repainting and preparation of one demo tech room are underway. The superintendent also spoke of interventions planned for next year to reduce the number of D's and F's on report cards and to improve test scores. He spoke of a NO ZERO policy which is basically the idea that a high F (50-59%) is better than a low F (0 points) and that simply insisting that every student complete all assignments and at least get some credit for every assignment could have a large impact on report card grades. Additionally, the superintendent mentioned enrichment activities during the intervention period for students caught up on all work.
2) Public Comments: A paraprofessional who is being transferred from the HS to the elementary addressed the board and explained that this transfer was involuntary and that there was no good reason for the transfer. In fact, she gave several reasons as to why the transfer would negatively impact students. Several individuals (including a teacher) addressed the board on this matter and all expressed support for this paraprofessional.
3) Several paraprofessionals, teachers, and other staff were officially hired. The board voted 5-0 in favor of the employment of all candidates.
4) Board Member Stipend: This is a somewhat interesting item. It seems that the superintendent is attempting to arrange to make health insurance available to board members paid for by the district. In order to do this, board members must receive a stipend of at least $400 due to some employment-related regulation. [Years ago health benefits to board members were eliminated. Now they apparently want to bring it back. It should be noted that paraprofessionals who work less than approximately 3.5 hours per day receive no health benefits from the district.]
5) iPads for board members. Another perk being discussed are iPads for board members.
6) Next Regular Meeting: August 11, 2016. There will also be special meetings on August 8th and 9th.