Hanover-Horton School District
Board of Education Meeting in Review
March 21, 2016
The Board of Education and Superintendent Denney recognized the Jr. Medal of Honor recipients for the month of February. They were Emmalynn Tasker, Brynn Miller, Vivian Foote, Sophie Schuette, Leah Denney, Maddie Ashworth and Tracy Stierle. They also honored the America & Me Essay Contest winners and the Susan B. Anthony Essay Contest winners. Congratulations.
The Board, Superintendent Denney, and Melissa Duffrin, Title and At Risk Coordinator, honored and thanked many organizations for their contributions towards our Giving Hope program. A big thanks to Heart O’ the Lakes United Brethren Church, Hillside United Methodist Church, Hanover Community Pantry, Hanover-Horton Community Church, Horton Congregational Church, Girl Scout Troop 60329, Compassionate Ministries of Jackson County, Lomar Machine and Vermeulen Furniture. These organizations help make it possible to provide the needy backpacks and the Giving Hope Closet.
Last but not least the Board and Superintendent Denney honored Karen Brockie, one of our third grade teachers, for being recognized as Jackson Magazine’s 2016 Top Teacher in Jackson County.
Nancy Peter-Lewis of the College and Career Access Center of Jackson was present this evening to inform the Board of the services they provide to our school district. They have a team of advisors that go to all of the high schools in the county to work with each of the seniors after our counselors. These advisors help the seniors with applications for college, military, work or trades. They also help the students with scholarships, FAFSA and making decisions. The advisors help to provide access to the necessary tools for success.
Our band director, Gary Rouster, shared a video and pictures of our marching band during their trip to Disney last month. Our students were awarded a trophy and a group picture which will be displayed in the trophy case.
Melissa Duffrin was present this evening to update the Board with the progress of our Title program. The program offers a very large range of services depending on the age level. The program offers pull out, push in, after school tutoring, transition classes, credit recovery, and summer school.
The Allegiance Health Athletic Training Services Contract is up for renewal. The Board has approved another two years with Allegiance Health services.
Superintendent Denney updated us on the Countywide Common School Calendar. Every school board in the county has agreed to be part of the Countywide Common Calendar. Our Calendar Committee has met and agreed to the start and ending dates along with the holiday breaks. Some of the final details still need to be worked out.
The Board approved the purchase of a new plow truck last month at $23,468. Unfortunately that was the base price and did not include all the necessities to prep the plow/truck for mounting. With a final price quote of $24,280 from Albion Motors, The difference of $812 will be covered from the maintenance account.
The Board has approved the bid provided by the JCISD for a RFQ for Network Equipment and Installation. The bid was approved at the cost quoted in order to secure Erate funding. This RFQ was required in order for us to replace our antiquated phone system. The system is obsolete and no new parts are being processed as replacements.
The Board has approved the six month extension on both the HHEA and the HHESP contracts. This extension of time will allow to bargain language of the contracts and to more accurately settle on the financial pieces.
Superintendent Denney reported on a few areas of interest in his superintendent’s report:
• With March being designated as Reading Month, the Superintendent has been able to spend time at the elementary reading to the students in various classrooms. He has enjoyed the time spent there and seeing all of the various things the students are doing.
• This year’s Jazz Bash raised over $6700.
• Nursery Rhyme Night is this Wednesday
• Kindergarten Round Up in April
• The Quarter Final basketball game will be in Tecumseh tomorrow
• Spring sports practices have started
The Board members are very pleased with the Medal of Honor program. The Board thanks Melissa Duffrin for the amazing job she is doing with the Title and At Risk programs. The Board feels very blessed on how our community comes together to help each other. A comment that was made at a Jackson County School Board Association meeting was shared with us, “Hanover-Horton is like a hidden gem of the county.” The comment originated from a source that is not part of our community.
