November 25, 2002

Good News Recognition

Kristen Martinez introduced the November 2002 Board/Teacher Panel Superior Service Award recipients.

Sally Taylor, middle school special education teacher, received the Certified Staff Member award. Her nominator, Eadie McLain, said she mentors other special education teachers. She is a sounding board and role model for those not only in her department but also in the district. McLain said she and Taylor taught together more than 20 years ago and Taylor was one of the reasons McLain was so excited about working in USD 470.

Cindy Nichols, custodian at C-4 Elementary, received the Support Staff Member award. The C-4 staff, who said she is "extraordinary," nominated her. The staff said Nichols is always so pleasant to their students and staff. Besides keeping C-4 "extremely clean and making sure all her duties are done well and on time," she also assists with students. She just finished painting the playground equipment at C-4 in her own free time. "Her positive attitude shines daily. We are very proud of our custodian ..." the staff said.

The award recipients receive district logo watches and a certificate from BOE President Daren Reese.

Action Items

I. Work Ethic Certificate Program. Work Ethic Certificate is a program targeting high school seniors. It is a joint project with USD 470 and business and community leaders. The certificate focuses on helping students see the correlation between core academics and the workplace. The program awards participants points in 10 areas, including Discipline, Attendance, Absence, Tardy, Community Service Project, Overall Grade-Point Average, Work Ethic, Punctuality, Respectfulness and Group Cooperation. Julie Lockwood, career technology at ACHS, and Yazmin Wood from the Chamber of Commerce, answered questions from the board. The board approved (7-0) the Work Ethic Certificate program for graduating ACHS seniors when they meet the stated guidelines.

II. USD 470 Technology Plan Update. The board reviewed a copy of the revised USD 470 Technology Plan, which must be submitted to the Kansas Department of Education. The filing of this update is required for the district to continue to receive E-rate funding. A committee has been working under the direction of Ron Young, PRAIRY director. The committee will continue to meet as the district takes a more in-depth review of the plan and future issues. Young was present to answer questions from the board. The board approved, by a vote of 7-0, the Technology Plan as presented.

III. Special Board of Education Meeting. The board voted 7-0 to approve a special BOE meeting Monday, Dec. 2, at 3:30 p.m. at ACHS. The purpose of the meeting is to meet with Kansas Association of School Boards consultants regarding a performance-based evaluation model for the superintendent.

Discussion/Report Item

I. Jefferson Elementary School Report. Principal Mike Henry addressed the board, along with other Jefferson staff members. Pam Barbour, fifth-grade teacher, presented a short report on the status of the NCA School Improvement Committee. She said the committee had its first full site visit and has filed the profile already. The NCA site team made a few minor recommendations. Barbour said the committee is right on schedule. "The staff has worked really, really hard and have their hearts in it this cycle," Henry said.

Randy Lundberg, library media specialist, talked about the library facilities and Accelerated Reader. He noted that AR is not a reading instruction program but rather a reading practice program, an accountability factor. Lundberg also presented information regarding the number of books the library houses and other data about the library. Henry also reiterated that AR is an accountability piece not a reading instruction program.

Stephanie Barnhill, Title I aide, presented information about the learner support team at Jefferson, which includes Title I aides, building aides, special education and ESL. She discussed the inclusion model and said the aides work alongside the regular education teachers and assist with the same curriculum.

After thanking the Jefferson staff and recognizing FFA students who attended the meeting, the board went into executive session for 15 minutes for a preliminary discussion about the acquisition of real property.

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