The Laredo, Tri-County, Princeton and Newtown-Harris Boards of Education held meetings Monday evening, approving field trips, setting graduation dates and approving the hiring of personnel.
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Laredo
The Laredo R-7 Board took action on several items at its meeting.
According to information provided by Superintendent Dr. Kent Mallette, approval was given to allow fifth and sixth grade students to participate in the seventh and eighth grade basketball program. The board agreed for grades three through eight to take a field trip to the Old Time Harvest Days on Friday, Sept. 23 and the kindergarten through second grade to visit a pumpkin patch, with the date to be decided later.
Following an executive session, the board agreed to create a para-professional position to help with special education and adding an additional day to the counselor’s position.
Mallette gave a review of the budget as well as repairs made to the school bus. He also announced the district would be participating in the Backpack Buddies Program again this year. The board reviewed the annual performance report and discussed a policy update. Dr. Mallette also informed the board of an opportunity to receive some computers from Citizens Bank and Trust at no cost.
The board reviewed dates for the upcoming MSBA fall regional meeting and was reminded of the staff back-to-school picnic on Sept. 16 at Loyd Lake. Grandparents Day was celebrated on Sept. 9 with approximately 45 grandparents attending. The students honored them with a song and some outside activities.They also had lunch with the students.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 10.
Tri-County
Tri-County board members changed the date of graduation and agreed to hire a part-time instructor during its meeting.
Superintendent Phil Fox said the board changed the graduation date to Saturday, May 12, 2012. The ceremony is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
Board members reviewed a proposal for an additional part-time Title I math position for the elementary school. The district will post the position, which will remain open until it is filled.
In other business, the board reviewed AYP/APR information and reviewed an improvement plan with no action taken. Bus routes were approved for the 2011-2012 school year, and the board approved fundraising requests from FCCLA, FBLA, FFA and the junior and senior classes for the school year.
A brief executive session was held, with no announcement made.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.
Princeton R-5
Superintendent Terry Mayfield reported that the board approved a request from the Princeton Track Committee to proceed with installing a new long jump/triple jump runway and high jump apron. The committee has raised the funds for this project.
The board also approved a request from the Stacy Center Board of Directors to install new, energy efficient lighting in the Stacy Multipurpose Center. According to the lease agreement, the Stacy Center board must have prior permission from the R-5 board to make alterations, additions or improvements to the center.
Board members also approved the annual Parents as Teachers report, approved the preliminary 2011-2012 bus routes and made the following appointments: Homeless, Migrant, ELL Coordinator, Danny Johnson; Safety Coordinator, Angie Ormsby; Safety Committee, Danny Johnson, Angie Ormsby, Debbie Thogmartin, Lacey Henry, Lori Puls and Mark Thompson.
Following a closed session to discuss personnel, the board hired Marlene Devore as a half-time Title I paraprofessional and approved a stipend for Bill Goodin to serve as cross country coach. The board also accepted the resignation of custodian Chris Illg, effective Sept. 30.
The board is scheduled to meet again Oct. 10.
Newtown-Harris
Newtown-Harris board members set the graduation date, heard reports and hired a coach during its meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Bryan Copple said the board set commencement exercises for 7 p.m. Friday, May 11, 2012 and approved the school calendar with snow days included. The board heard a report on the bus parking area on the west side of Highway 139. Appreciation was expressed to Robert Parrish, Danny Gannon and Jerry Gibson for their hard work. The board will now seek bids for rock for the area.
Teacher reports were given and Misty Foster, principal, gave a report on the softball and trapshooting teams. She also said a Josten’s representative will be visiting in the near future. Teacher in-service is set for Oct. 7 for CPR and first aid training. She noted she will attend the MASSP Fall Principal’s Conference in Columbia Oct. 2-4 and said the character education word for August was “accomplishments” and the word for September is “diligence.”
Dr. Copple discussed the MAP incentive program and working together with the community. He noted that 100 students are currently involved in that program. He updated the board on the Aug. 31 tornado drill and said a fire drill will be held Sept. 22. He told the board how the 21st Century Grant will benefit Newtown-Harris students. Dr. Copple also told the board that the final tax rate is $4.9755 after receiving some changes from two county clerks.
In other business, the testing calendar was approved and it was noted that the district received a good radon report. Board members also hired Andy Busick to serve as assistant girls and boys basketball coach.
The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 10.