Knox County School District Announces Summer School’s Return

Knox County School District Announces Summer School’s Return

By Beth Hunolt

The Knox County R-1 Board of Education met on May 18th, 2010 to review and discuss the regular session’s agenda as presented. School Board President called the meeting to order and lead the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance. The motion was made to approve the meeting’s agenda and was unanimously approved. The Approval of the minutes from the April 20th, 2010 regular and executive minutes was unanimously approved.
The Board then reviewed the monthly bills and inquired about some of the expenses, which were explained to have been transportation and athletic expenses. The motion was made and seconded to approve the authorization for the payment of bills. Motion carried with a unanimous 7-o yea vote.
A thank you note was read aloud in its entirety from Eugene and Kathy Turner, expressing their appreciation of the district’s sympathy.
High School and middle School Principal Andy Turgeon presented three groups of student activities, and were recognized by the Board of Education for there accomplishments these groups were: the Knox County Varsity Campus Bowl Squad, coached by Joyce Delaney, for the district win and title, carrying the school to its third district win in school history, the Knox County Varsity Cheerleaders, coached by Alicia Myers and Clarissa Brenizer, for competing for the first time and winning two first place awards in the school’s history, the Knox County Varsity Track Team, coached by Jesse Weaver, for their great season and the seven events that will be representing the school at state competition, and the Knox County Girls Varsity Basketball, coached by Jesse Weaver, girls for winning conference.
Mr. Turgeon then recognized two retiring district employees: Tracey mallet and Chester Primm. Mallett was the schools music teacher and band director; she was presented a plaque and musical bell from the district. Primm has worked for the district for twenty-five years as the custodian; he was presented a plaque and a fishing pole on behalf of the district. Turgeon congratulated the pair and thanked them for the service and dedication they have shown.
Elementary School Principal Marty Strange reported that the Meet the Kindergarten Teachers had a good crowd with a reported twenty-two families attending the event. Strange also announced the return of summer school with eighty students enrolled for summer school and stated that the student response to summer school was wonderful.
Nancy Goodwin informed the Board that Jill Miller recently shared Positive Behavior with the district’s teachers. Goodwin also announced that she would be attending a conference in Chesterfield may 16th-17th. She also declared Reading Night a success, proclaiming
this year’s them was Under The Big Top and had one hundred students participate in the activity.
Transportation Director Steve Ramer announced that with summer school newly reinstated he would be working on the programs transportation needs.
Superintendent D.J Leverton informed the Board that an estimated four percent of state funds would be cut at this time and that the summer school legislation did change regarding summer school. It was also announced that the district has won its fourth consecutive Distinction in Performance Award.
CTA President Martha Gudehus informed the Board that the CTA is asking for new officers at this time and reminded the Board that they were welcome to join the teachers at the annual Last Day Picnic next Tuesday evening.
A+ Coordinator Jami Minter was informed the Board that eighty nine percent of high school students at Knox County are enrolled in the A+ Program and was glad to report that the A+ Program’s Students As Mentors (S.A.M.) classes are benefiting all of the school’s students as well an added aid to teachers.
Betsy Ayers updated the Board on the status of the Gifted Program and announced that twenty-five students in grades K-12 are enrolled in the gifted program. Ayers also announced that one Knox County student had been accepted into the Baldwin Academy. She also announced that students in the gifted programs are now expected to maintain a C- average in order to participate in the gifted program.
The Board with a seven-yea vote unanimously approved the programs and services reports given by Minter and Ayers.
The motion was made by Stacy Harder to approve a 1.75% ($500) raise to the districts’ educators. The motion was seconded by Karen Hall and approved unanimously by the board.
The motion was made by Shelly Bugh to approve the support of $750 to the Middle School Drama Club, to match the funds supporting other student extracurricular activities. The motion was seconded by Stacy Harder and was approved with a seven-yea vote.
The motion was made to approve the adopted policies revisions and updates to the school handbook, the motion carried with unanimous yea vote.
The motion was then made to adjourn to closed executive session at 8:53 p.m., the motion was second and approved with a roll call vote.