Superintendent Denney and the Board of Education were happy to honor the Junior Medal of Honor recipients for February and the Jackson Women’s History Council Susan B. Anthony Art Scholarship winner.
Two members and the advisor of “Most Teens Don’t” did a brief presentation on their activities this year.
Student Council representative, Mitchell Schuette, reported the Student Council activities concerning Snowfest and the pros/cons of having the dance on a Saturday. The Student Council also sent thank you notes to the Snowfest volunteers.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, a parent asked the board if any discussions or meetings have taken place to look at changes to the athletic handbook. Two staff members addressed the board with their concerns regarding class sizes, and another parent agreed that class sizes make a huge difference in a student’s education. Board members were also encouraged to go to the elementary to read to students for March is Reading Month.
The board approved an updated Resolution supporting the district’s participation in the Jackson County Early College program. The update resulted after it was discovered that some language needed to be changed slightly.
A first reading of the NEOLA Policy Updates was approved, with the understanding that the policy on student seclusion and restraint will need to be clarified before the second reading at the next board meeting.
A Voluntary Severance Plan was approved to be offered to teachers whose current salary is at the top step in the contract. Superintendent Denney will offer the plan to eligible teachers on March 20th, 2018.
Superintendent Denney updated the board on the progress being made toward the new board goals, and the board approved the update as presented.
The district’s Technology Committee met recently and discussed the needs of the district and how to best spend the remaining bond proceeds. The committee recommended that we purchase a cart of Chrome Books for each building, new bus cameras, graphing calculators for the high school math department, and updated wireless access points. The remaining money will be saved for future needs.
Superintendent Denney reported to the Board members on the following:
- The winter sports season was very successful; we had our first wrestler make it to the state meet, the girls’ bowling team competed at the state tournament, the girls’ basketball team played in the district final, and the boys’ basketball team played in the regional final. It was a good season to be a Comet!
- Budget wise, the district is right in line with the current budget. We hope to end the year with a budget surplus somewhere in the 4% range. The Michigan House and Senate plans should be announced very soon, and we’re hoping to see a decent increase in funds.
- The St. Mary’s Catholic Central basketball coach complimented our boys’ basketball team and student section on their spirit and classy behavior during the regional final basketball game.
- Spring break will be here before we know it!
The Board members commented on the following:
- As always, they were pleased to recognize the Jr. Medal of Honor winners and winner of the Susan B. Anthony Art Scholarship.
- The “Most Teens Don’t” presentation was well done and appreciated.
- The board appreciated the public comments made during the meeting.
- The board thought that the parent meeting regarding the Jackson County Early College program was well done.
- President Schuette complimented the board on their handling of last month’s meeting and thought fellow board members do a good job.
- Good luck to Leon Densmore, who will be undergoing surgery for a knee replacement next week.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
