Superintendent Denney and the Board of Education were happy to honor JROTC award winners and the Junior Medal of Honor recipients.
Mitchell Schuette, Student Council Representative, read a report on Student Council activities.
Mrs. Cindy Forgione presented an overview to the Board of elementary student achievement test scores. She noted that Hanover-Horton’s third grade ELA and math scores, as well as fifth grade ELA, math, and social studies scores, are above county and state levels. Fourth grade ELA, math, and science scores are somewhat below county and state levels, and staff is looking into why this particular grade level scored lower. Star Reading and Star Math scores are consistently above grade level for all grades. Mrs. Forgione also explained next steps to be taken for ELA, math, science, and social studies. A grant has been applied for, which would pay for the necessary kits for the physical science component. An elementary teacher encouraged everyone to go to the Michigan Dept. of Education website to look at sample test questions.
Superintendent Denney updated the Board on the progress that is being made to move forward with the Jackson County Early College concept. All districts in Jackson County are expected to participate in this program, and details are still being worked out. A timeline was shown, which has students registering for college classes in the fall of 2018.
The district has contracted for a new social worker through Lifeways. Mrs. Sandra Stephenson has started working two days a week currently, until December 1st, when she will become full time.
The Board approved bids from Sound Engineering of Livonia for a total of $44,475 to install an updated two-way communication, software-based PA system in the high school/middle school, as well as a new PA system in the elementary school.
The Board also approved the purchase of necessary items for the security camera upgrade. A total of $5,671.70 will be spent for two additional network switches, and $7,440.00 for an additional eight security cameras for the high school/middle school.
Superintendent Denney has been researching and presented to the Board a potential facilities bond, which could possibly be on the ballot in May, 2019. This bond would generate funds for a lot of facility needs and big ticket items, by continuing with the current 1 mil levy for a certain number of years, rather than raising taxes. More research will be done and updates given to the Board in the coming months
Superintendent Denney reported to the Board members on the following:
- He will not be able to attend the next scheduled board meeting on December 19th; therefore, the meeting was rescheduled for December 21st at 6:00 p.m.
- The elementary school’s Pancakes with Patriots was a success. Many veterans expressed how much they felt appreciated.
- The boys cross country state champion team will be presented with a congratulatory resolution on the floor of the state Senate and will have pizza afterward.
- The middle school’s first trimester has recently ended.
- It was nice to see that Leon Densmore was able to be at the meeting tonight after recovering from surgery for a broken femur.
- Superintendent Denney wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
The Board of Education was happy to see the JROTC awards and Medal of Honor winners. They were also glad to see Leon Densmore’s return to the meeting. The Board thanked Mrs. Forgione for an excellent presentation on student achievement at the elementary level. The Board expressed excitement at the possibility of improving our facilities with a potential bond. Mr. Schuette offered his help with any activities going on in the buildings.
The Board went into closed session at 9:10 p.m. to discuss the Superintendent’s evaluation.
Motion by Mrs. Vincent and support by Mr. Blackledge to accept the Superintendent’s evaluation of Highly Effective. Motion carried, 6-0.
The Board came out of closed session at 10:27 p.m.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
