Saturday, April 20, 2013

Les New, Rodney Brown Sworn In to School Board

Les New and Rodney Brown were sworn in to the Worth County School Board at the regular Board of Education meeting Thursday. Jeff Andrews was named President, Sherri Runde Vice President, and Sheila Hunt Treasurer.

As his first official act, Andrews read a prepared statement on the superintendent situation. He said that Mike Rennells had been placed on administrative leave and that the board cannot provide any additional information at this time. The Superintendent's office has been locked with a sign that says, "No admittance by order of the Worth County School Board."

Math teacher Chris Healy reported on the end of course preparation for his math classes. He said that they were doing fun projects that showed what they had learned throughout the year. He said that track teams were full speed ahead despite the cold weather and that they were getting ready for districts.

Business teacher April Healy reported that the accounting class was doing a website for Sherri's Pharmacy and that students were competing to make a site. She reported that they were also working on speed typing, how to use computer applications, and personal finance. She reported that the FBLA was getting ready for state. She is seeking grants for equipment for the school.

Tish Warner reported that the high school science classes were getting ready for the end of course assessments and that they were working on being more engaged.

Principal Jon Adwell reported that the school was working on implementing the Kagan learning style, which focuses on peers teaching each other. They are working on implementing it for the 7th to 12th grades and then for the elementary down the road. He said that he had observed two area schools where it was implemented and that they had a lot of good results with it, since the students were working for each other and not just for themselves.

Assistant Principal Chuck Borey reported that the elementary was focusing on honor rolls and perfect attendance and that the FFA was at state. The Academic Bowl finished 7-6 for the year with Grant Parman first team all-conference. Junior High and Varsity track are in progress. 26 schools participated in the Tiger Relays and 13 for the Early Bird. The Junior High relays will have 21 schools.

Borey reported that the school got a $7,850 grant towards resurfacing the track and that they were seeking other grants and talking to other track companies. The track has held up better than expected from the track meets this year. Board President Jeff Andrews said that the staff had done a good job in ensuring that the meets were well-run.

Adwell reported that the elementary was working on direct instruction and review of stuff that they were already doing. They were also working on matching the curriculum with CORE standards.

Bids were returned on the technology infrastructure upgrade. Concerns were raised about the high cost of labor; the board tabled the bids until the next meeting. These upgrades are required for future state testing.

The board approved the calendar for next school  year. January 3rd will be a holiday while January 6th will be a professional development day. January 7th will be the day that school resumes after the Christmas Break. The school will have an early start this year, with school starting on August 15th. April 22nd will be an early out so that the teachers can help out with the Tiger Relays that day.

Summer School will have two weeks this year instead of four; days will be full days instead of half days. It will be for the purpose of reteaching students who need help and for high school course recovery. It will run from 8 to 3 each day. The Cafeteria will serve breakfast and lunch. It will run from Monday to Friday and there will be bus service.

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