Board Meeting Review March 21, 2011

The Board of Education and Superintendent Brian recognized Evan Dowling, 5th grade student for receiving the recognition as an Honorable Mention in the Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness 2011 Poster Contest.  His poster’s theme was on flooding.  Megan Scheppelman was unable to attend this evening to receive her certificate for achieving 3rd place in the Susan B. Anthony’s Awards.  Also, Mr. Orin Warner was recognized for his volunteering at the secondary level to help students that are struggling in math.  His desire to volunteer was inspired by an encounter he had with a sophomore student this last summer (from another district) could not read a ruler.

The board approved the annual Mackinac trip for the 7th grade students.  This year’s trip is planned for May 25th, 26th and 27th.

Kelley Price, Response to Intervention (RTI) Coordinator, was present this evening to update the board on the progress of the program.  Kelley was hired the first part of November 2010 to implement the program with Hanover-Horton K-2 students.  Initially all students of this grade level are screened for academic and behavioral needs and “Benchmarked” at least 3 times per year on core academic skills and social/behavior skills.  Students that have not achieved certain levels of the skills are targeted for intervention and will be serviced by her to improve the student’s fine motor and gross motor abilities and to help develop other essential early learning skills that would help in school success.  Kelley is currently servicing fifty students.  

Superintendent Brian shared information on an approximate million dollar deficit that is being projected for next year.  This is due to a shortfall in the School Aid fund that is being created by the governor’s proposal to transfer funds to community colleges and a significant increase in retirement costs.  The combined impact is a loss of $700 per pupil.  Additionally, there will be other negative impacts on the budget like the shortfall in special education funding, rising fuel costs, etc.  A budget study session has been set for Monday, April 25, at 5:30 p.m.

The Board of Education has approved the Certificate of Completion for special needs students to opt out of the Michigan Merit Curriculum and have an alternative to earning a diploma upon graduation from high school.  The Certificate of Completion will allow the student to walk at graduation as long as the new criteria have been met.

The Board has approved two elementary teachers’ requests for a maternity leave of absence for part of the remainder of this school year.

Superintendent Brian did report that interviews for a Varsity Volleyball and a Soccer Coach are taking place this week.  The Advertising Committee met and has determined what advertising they would like to do to promote the Kindergarten Roundup.  All three of our schools will receive the Green School recognition.  MEAP scores are here but are still embargoed as the state averages are not available yet.  

Superintendent Brian is requesting everyone turn in a Yes Voters List, names and addresses.  The list should be of persons that are new to the area and have not been a known supporter in the past.  We need to promote the passage of the Headlee Override proposal.

Mr. Schuette has requested for everyone that possibly would be available for Wednesday evening, to attend the Alcohol Forum that will be taking place in our library from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  There will be three very informative speakers.  They will be covering the historical, legal and medical aspects of this drug in our community.