The Wawasee Community School Corporation Board of Trustees met in Regular Session at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at the Central Office Board Room. Recognition was given to the individuals and companies who contributed to the construction of team shelters at the soccer field, to school neighbor Bill Charlton and others who cleaned up the cross country trails, and to the North Webster parents, teachers, and friends who organized construction of a pick up shelter at the school. Without giving supporters, we wouldn't be the kind of school district we are!
The corporation received a grant to train technology personnel in the use of the Linux operating system. That system doesn't require us to spend funds for Windows operating systems on some district computers.
The 2009 Wawasee budget was approved by the board. Finance Director let the Board know that budget numbers are high now and will come down when the budget hearing is held with the state at a later date. We did ask for more funding in transportation, due to the increased cost of fuel for the buses.
First reading was held on a policy which would set criteria for students transferring into the Wawasee Community School district. Those students who reside outside the district would need to follow certain criteria to be considered for admittance to Wawasee. In addition, transportation would be provided by the parents and no transfer would be approved for athletic reasons. Second reading of the proposed policy will take place in October.
Different types of high school diplomas were discussed under our Stat of the Month segment. Dr. Bob Cockburn explained that most of our students are graduating with academic honors diplomas (47 credits) and Indiana Core 40 (42 credits at Wawasee). Those graduating with a general diploma will not have that option after the year 2010. The state will be replacing the general diploma with the technical honors diploma (47 credits) at that time. Over 2/3's of WHS graduates currently gain an academic honors or Core 40 diploma. We will work to be ready for the new, upgraded standards for graduation.
Director of curriculum and Instruction Joy Goshert informed the Board about NWEA assessment taken at the beginning of the school year. Since the testing is done by computer, results are available to teachers within 24 hours of testing. Teachers can use the fall results to meet the immediate needs of their students. End-of-year results can be compared to beginning-of-year results to improve overall instruction. State ISTEP testing will be occurring soon and last through the end of the month.
The Board will conduct a work session on Tuesday, September 16 at 4:00pm in the Board Room to discuss a possible facilities project involving safety measures, energy savings, infrastructure upgrades, renovation of the vocational building, and addition to Milford School to allow for future full day kindergarten classes.
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2 comments:
How is the school budget for 2008-09? Is there any discussion about going to a 4-day school week? Or is that impossible, since Indiana requires 180 days?
While there have been discussions about going to a 4-day school week, the state has not approved any district to do so at present. The Indiana Department of Education would need to grant a special exception to allow attendance of less than 180 days. I understand that two districts in Kentucky are piloting 4-day weeks this year.
While fuel and energy costs are a factor favoring 4-day weeks, the need for child care on the fifth day of the week can be a real issue for families.
We'll continue to study the use of 4-day weeks, especially if fuel and energy costs continue to rise.
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