The regular meeting was held starting at 6:30 p.m.
Correspondence included a thank you note from a graduate who received the Ruth Creps Scholarship.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, several community members voiced their concerns and asked questions of the board about the current sexual allegations regarding a current teacher and former student.
Elementary Principal Joe Ayers introduced three new elementary teachers to the board: Mrs. Linzey Cytlak, Mrs. Melissa Bulgrien, and Ms. Emily Schock.
Superintendent Denney gave an update on current enrollment. As of the first day of school, there were 1148 students enrolled district wide. That number is expected to change in the next several days as the school year settles in.
Perry Deliyanne, Athletic Director, presented an athletic update for the 2018-19 sports seasons. He covered number of conference, district, regional, and state championships earned by the various sports teams; also, number of students participating in athletics, gate receipts, and athletic scholarships earned. In all, it was an impressive year for Hanover-Horton sports.
Superintendent Denney updated the board on actions taken to meet Board Goal #1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 2A, 2B, and 2C. These actions include new curriculum; RTI and Title programming; District Improvement Plan; technology; hiring of new teachers; changes to JCISD’s social worker program; participation in Most Teens Don’t; district lighting project; purchase of additional iPads and Chrome Books; reduction of energy use.
In recent years, schools throughout are area have seen a sharp increase in the need for more mental health services for our students. The Jackson County ISD has created partnerships which allow school social workers to now work with all students, instead of just special education students. This is a very good opportunity for our district. Forms have been sent home to allow parents to opt out of this service.
The board approved an increase in substitute teacher pay to $100 per day, or $50 per half day. It is hoped that this will help alleviate the shortage of substitute teachers the district has been experiencing in the last few years. Our district and one other were at the bottom of the pay scale for substitute teachers compared to other area schools.
Superintendent Denney reported to the board members on the following:
- Great job by all to prepare for the first day of school; the building has come back to life.
- The state has released embargoed test scores and we are seeing impressive results. Our students scored above the county average on every test. More detail on test results will be forthcoming. Thank you to the administration and staff for the work they put into preparing students for the testing.
The board members commented on the following:
- Thank you to everyone for attending the meeting.
- The first day of school was exciting for students and staff. Many parents drop off their children on the first day of school, especially at the elementary level; our community values education.
- Welcome new teachers!
- The board thanks everyone for their patience in dealing with the sexual allegations against a district teacher. They take this situation very seriously and will tackle it head on. The board asks everyone to trust in the process and wants to do everything right. Anyone who has questions or complaints, please contact board members. Board members want to do the best they can for our students.
- The documentation of certain issues will be addressed.
The board went into closed session at 7:48 p.m. to discuss the Superintendent Evaluation Process update.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
