Princeton Board Considers Facility Needs

The Princeton R-5 Board of Education discussed facility needs, conference alignment and retirement incentives during a meeting held Monday evening.
According to information provided by Superintendent Dr. Robert Newhart, the board held a discussion on the facility needs assessment administered to both staff and the board. Some similar themes emerged, including parking and safety issues, drainage and roofing needs, technology needs, playground needs, pre-school, band, art, track, ball field and basketball/gym facility needs. The board discussed the potential of a bond issue and Prop C Waiver issue to help address the problems, issues and district needs. A parent/community facility survey will be sent out this week, according to Dr. Newhart.
Dr. Newhart gave the board an update concerning realignment of the GRC Conference. The board has allowed Dr. Newhart the latitude to move forward in the best interest of the Princeton R-5 School District and the consensus by the board is that they are in favor of the expansion of the conference.
Board members approved a retirement incentive policy as presented to allow for an incremental increased stipend for in-district years of service to be awarded if notification is received by Feb. 1 for certified staff. The board also approved the recommendation of the insurance committee to make Thomas McGee, L.C. the new insurance broker agent of record.
Program reviews were presented and approved in the areas of guidance and counseling, facilities and safety and CSIP/Strategic Plan. The board approved establishing a School Improvement Team under the School Improvement Team Concept. The evaluation timeline and hiring process was discussed, with the superintendent to be evaluated in December, the principals in January, teachers in February and March and extra-duty and non-certified in April and May.
High School Principal Tamie Miller and Elementary Principal Dana Seymour gave reports, which included upcoming events such as the Doughnuts With Dad for third grade students on Dec. 16; and the pre-school winter program at 6 p.m., Dec. 18, followed by the elementary program at 7 p.m. High school instructor Maureen Funk will be conducting an international project titled “Hour of Code” to encourage students to learn basic computer programming during the week of Dec. 8-12. It was announced that cumulative attendance for grades seven through 12 for the month of November was 95 percent. It was also announced that the Princeton Elementary School has been awarded an After School Reading Grant and that the elementary has also received a $1,200 grant from the GEC Foundation for the purchase of Chrome Books.
Other important upcoming dates include school board filing dates, Dec. 16-Jan. 20, 2015; early out, Dec. 19 at 12:45 p.m., with winter break set for Dec. 22 through Jan. 2, 2015; teacher in-service, Jan. 5, with classes to resume with students on Jan. 6; and the next board meeting, which is scheduled for Jan. 12 at 6 p.m.
The board held a closed session, with no announcement made.