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It was a largely routine session for the Fayette school board Wednesday night, but there was a milestone of sorts. For the first time, board members worked from an entirely paperless agenda.
All reports and proceedings were done electronically, with each board member having his or her own lap-top computer. The lap-tops had been donated by a longtime generous supporter of the district.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, the new procedure ultimately will result in a savings to the district on paper and printing costs.
In his report to the board, superintendent Russ Brock noted that work is under way on various additions and improvements which were made possible by a bond issue passed by district voters in April.
All parking lots have been patched and sealed, he stated, and striping will be done in the next week or so.
Weather has slowed down roofing projects at the various schools, but materials are on site and work will be done as weather permits.
The new football field bleachers are to be delivered July 30, and before that concrete slabs will be poured and ready for installation.
The high school gymnasium bleachers are scheduled to be delivered and installed during the week of Sept. 22 and materials to construct the new bus bays will be in by the end of July. Construction will begin at that time.
The new Daly/Clark gymnasium floor is set to be installed during the last week of July, if not sooner.
In addition to the new roofs, the most significant project funded by the bond issue is a locker room addition and remodeling at the high school.
At Wednesday’s meeting, the board authorized Brock to sign a contract with the apparent low bidder, Wavco Construction of Jefferson City. The price tag is expected to be slightly more than $600,000.
In other matters, Brock recommended and the board approved that lunch prices for the 2008-2009 school year remain unchanged. They are:
• Student Reduced Breakfast - 30 cents
•Student Full Breakfast 70 - cents
• Adult Breakfast - 70 cents
• Student Reduced Lunch -
40 cents
• Student Full Lunch $1.25
• Adult Lunch $1.75
• Extra Milk $0.30
KIDS HOPE USA REPORT
Lisa Gebhardt gave a report on the Kids Hope USA mentoring program. This will be the sixth year of the program for Fayette students grades K-5. Mentors meet with their student one hour per week through the school year. The one on one attention and encouragement from the mentors continues to help the students and the program be successful. Students participate in a variety of events throughout the school year. Gebhardt thanked the board for continuing to partner in the program.
PARENTS AS TEACHERS REPORT
P.A.T. Director Nancy Holtwick prepared a report on the participation and activities of the program. All areas of service showed an increase other than services to the 3-K families. However, this one area showing a decrease is deceiving. DESE received additional funding to increase services to 3-K families, thus changing the way the contacts are counted.
Holtwick said the P.A.T. program has received a major grant from First Chance for Children in the amount of $125,000 to be received over the course of five years. This grant has helped in hiring additional staff and implementation of the P.A.T. Plus program. Also funds are available to provide giveaways to families at each of the group activities.
At the Kindergarten Kick Off to be held in August, the plan is to provide kindergarten school supplies for all families with a child entering kindergarten. New plans for the coming year include offering a Toy Lending Library and becoming a fitting station for Child Passenger Safety. One hundred twenty new car seats have been order through a grant. Parents will be able to have these car seats installed and inspected for safety in their vehicle for a suggested donation amount of $20.
Also a grant of $2500 received from the Fayette Area Common Fund is being used to continue the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to 90 families. She noted that nearly 200 children in the district receive a free book in the mail each month through this funding.
SPECIAL EDUCATION/ HANDICAPPED CENSUS REPORT
Lynne Chrislaw, director, reported the district is serving approximately 108 students from preschool through grade 12. The number of students served, disabilities represented and placement counts are consistent with state averages at this time. The annual Assurance Statement for Section .611 (Part B) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has been submitted to DESE with an estimated final expense report. This will ensure the district is eligible to receive federal funds.
Officials still seek additional paraprofessionals for the upcoming school year.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Curriculum Director Jill Wiseman, prepared a written report on the Federal Programs. Total Funds available for Title Programs for the 2008-09 year will be $162,978. This is an increase in funding from the $156,338 allocated last year. Title V funds will not be available after this year as they are discontinuing funding for that program. Because of changes in staffing, the combination of Title I and Title IIA funds should cover the costs of salaries and benefits this year for the Title faculty, she said.
The Title programs in the elementary will continue to focus on increasing achievement in both math and communication arts. The upper levels will focus more on math with reading/communication arts help when necessary, while the focus for the lower levels will remain on reading/communication arts with math when necessary.
Brock shared the District’s Mission and Objectives which is to educate all students to be ethical, successful citizens. Several strategies and action steps are in place to enable the district to meet the objectives. A new electronic system from DESE is being put in place which will require all districts to file their Comprehensive School Improvement Plans (CSIP) electronically and use a common language. This may result in some changes to objectives or strategies. Wiseman and Brock will be attend a workshop on the new ePeGs system at the end of July.
Superintendent Brock told the board that the Midland GIS Solutions has completed work on mapping Howard County and a web site has been set up for partners to use. The district will have a 30 day free trial subscription- The data could be used by the district to determine the location of houses and whether they are in the district to assist with establishing bus routes. During the trial period, Mr. Johnson and Dr. Brock will use the system and decide if it provides enough value to the district to pay the $500 yearly subscription.
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