Morrison School Board: Technology, Tutoring and TRAC Expansion

By Lunnette Forth For The Prairie Advocate News

MORRISON – It was business as usual during a regular meeting of the Morrison School District Board of Education on Tuesday, January 24th, 2012 held in the Media Center at the High School. Superintendent Suellen Girard reported that she had learned that the filter system for wireless networking has finally been upgraded.

“We will be able to start piloting a program that will allow students to bring in their own technology devices to school,” Girard said. Board members were also informed by Girard that Apple has developed interactive textbook applications at the cost of $15.00. “They are awesome.”

The topic of Bullying was also discussed by Girard, informing members that this topic has received a lot of attention on Facebook recently. “We need to be able to identify the difference between Bullying and a fight among students. Bullying is a reoccurring incident that can be done via email as well. I think it is important to inform parents and staff members as well about this problem. It is a nationwide problem.”

Administrative reports

During the Principal’s Report, Scott Vance touched on several topics. He noted that Morrison High School continues to utilize the Class of 1961’s donation to implement technology and improve instructional capabilities. The High School is looking at course offerings for senior students wishing to take additional math courses. The possibility of altering the current Social Studies curriculum is being discussed. Honors night for high school students will be held on May 14th. The MHS Key Club will be holding its annual blood drive on March 7th. Winners of the Key Club food drive were treated to a buffet lunch on January 19th to recognize their efforts with this important event.

Junior High Principal Darryl Hogue reported to the board that students and staff are continuing to prepare for the ISAT tests to be held in early March. Girls basketball started in January with eleven 7th grade athletes, and thirteen 8th grade athletes. B.E.S.T and the Junior High are working together to offer another reward activity for Friday, January 20th. Students will be invited to the JH for games and activities.

Joe Robbins commented that the School Improvement Plan Day on the 19th went very well. Northside students were treated to a magic show for reaching their behavior incentive. Denise Batterton and Stephanie Kosier attended the Annual Reading Recovery Conference, and will use what they learned to help students in the program. It was reported that currently three student teachers are in the buildings. Tutoring at both schools continues.

Robbins also reported on the Annual Report for North and Southside Schools. New for the 2012 year include implementing volunteers during ISAT week, and offering tutoring help to students to prepare for the tests.

Board member Jim Riddley reported on the recent Finance Committee meeting stating, “We have received no money from the State for categoricals.” Revenue was listed as 46%, with expenditures at 48%.

Dr. Girard spoke on the Treasurer’s Report noting, “We have almost as much as we did this time last year. We are in good shape this year financially.”

Members learned from Girard that the Risk Management Plan is being reviewed, with some very minor changes. The final copy will be brought to the board for approval at the February meeting.

Scott Vance reported on the recent TRAC expansion, which will begin in the 2013/2014 school year. At a meeting on January 12th, the principals voted to allow Hall, Orion, Princeton, Rockridge, St.Bede, and Sherrard High School to join the 3 Rivers Conference. It was also agreed that there will be a Norh/South division of teams so that the teams traditionally played will remain mostly the same. Vance noted, “The only change will really be for football.”

All items on the consent agenda which included: District bills as of January 24th, Financial Report as of December 31st, Treasurer’s Report as of December 31st, Financial Comparisons, Building activity account reports, and personnel recommendations were approved by the board.

Action items

In action items, the board approved the mileage reimbursement rate of 55.5/mile to stay the same. The District calendar for the 2013-2013 year was approved, with August 20th being the first day of school with an early dismissal. Staff members were surveyed, and had a chance to review the possible options for the calendar.

The Board of Education approved the request to alter its Social Studies curriculum in order to meet the requirements of many colleges and universities, as well as offering students additional upper level courses.

A motion was approved to allow the District to begin running the Pre-K program for the 2012-2013 year. This change would mean that the District would hire the teacher and aides and be responsible for the Special Education PreK program at Northside. Bi-county would continue to provide speech, occupational, and physical therapy services for the program. This change should result a savings of approximately $20,000.00 next year. Currently, the class is maintained at Northside and blends into the District’s Pre-K at risk program. It is not anticipated that there will be any significant changes for students in this program.

An executive session was held for the purpose of the evaluation of the Superintendent, and also a review of personnel.

The next board meeting is scheduled for February 28th in the High School Media Center.