10/15/2007 BOE meeting notes

Multiple awards for student athletes were presented, although one can wonder why this is a BOE event. Considering there is limited seating for guests and the honorees it might make sense to give this recognition in a more comfortable and dignified setting, such as an auditorium.

Goals of the BOE were discussed, including raising math scores and adopting a textbook, realigning the math pacing charts, increasing academic standards by exploring programs like IB (International Baccelaureate), addressing the technology needs of the district and monitoring the individual progress of AIS (Academic Intervention) students with a new student management system and safety and security in the school buildings.

Field trips discussion: Most will remain intact. There are limitations and additional discussion necessary:

• recreational or reward trips have been eliminated – trips must have an educational purpose that is approved by the BOE
• trips must take place during the course of a school day
• since the school district is paying for the educational portion of the trip (admission) and not the other expenses (e.g., travel) monies cannot be laid out in advance for ticket purchases
• fundraising for trips is problematic and unresolved

AIS is in full swing. There are high numbers of students receiving help in the middle schools but a lower number in the high school. Monitoring needs to begin in kindergarten and a record keeping system with a comprehensive profile of a student’s areas of need, services given and progress made should be developed.

Odyssey of the Mind, a middle school enrichment program, is in need of advisors although ads have been placed and the superintendent himself has actively been trying to recruit someone to fill the spot.

Public Participation Highlights

A district resident was concerned about the ever-rising homeowner taxes because of the school budget and implored that attention be given to keeping costs down.

A prior BOE member asked what percentage of our middle school children are receiving AIS services and what are the costs associated with AIS. She made the suggestion that since children who scored 1, 2 and low 3 are being pulled from their classes for these additional services, that it might be also be a good time for the mid-high 3 and 4 scorers to be receiving enrichment. She also asked that consideration be given to sending guidance counselors to the main college admissions conferences, as this is an important part of the college recruitment process and our district’s children should have the same benefits as other comparable districts that do send representatives to these events.