August 27, 2007
At Monday nightÕs Board of Education meeting, the board recognized the students in USD 470 scored higher this year on the ACT exam than in the past. The students tested had an average composite score of 22.5, which beats out last yearÕs score of 20.7. That score also surpasses the Kansas state average composite score of 21.9.
In a statement made last week, Dr. Ron Ballard, Superintendent, said the steady increase reflects a rigorous curriculum and an increase in required science courses as well as an overall increase in the number of credits required for graduation.
ÒThe extra emphasis put on these core subjects by the district is starting to make a real difference,Ó he said. ÒOur students are even more prepared for college and the workforce than in the past.Ó
The ACT is a college preparatory exam. It consists of multiple, curriculum Ðbased tests that focus on English, math, reading and science. The tests are designed to help measure a studentÕs readiness for the first year in college. The scores also gauge studentsÕ improvement over time.
In addition to exceeding the overall state average this year, Ark City students also ranked higher than average in the areas of English, reading and science.
ÒEven though we didnÕt quite beat the state math score this year, we are only 0.3 points away from meeting it,Ó Angela Harding, Dean of Student Services, said. ÒOur math score jumped 1.2 points just from last year Ð reaching that goal next year is very obtainable.Ó
Harding also noted itÕs the students who are taking the extra math credits and upper level science courses who are scoring the highest on the ACT.
ÒOur kids are doing well and the teachers are working hard,Ó she said. ÒItÕs not just the high school teachers, the lower grade level teachers are working hard also and our students are better prepared because of it.Ó
The Board of Education approved a list of items for donation at the meeting Monday. The items, some dating back to the 1920Õs, will be donated to the ACE Fund to be put up for auction. The auction will be held in conjunction with the new teacherÕs banquet on Monday, September 17, 2007.
Some items included in the auction are: seven trophies, one framed slate board and pictures from the old Arkansas City Junior High School demolished in 1984 and one granite bulldog statue.
Proceeds from the auction will go directly to the ACE Fund Endowment to fund scholarships.
In other news, the board:
á Approved the agenda and consent agenda.
á Recognized the resignation of Monica David, ESOL Support.
á Approved the hiring of the following:
Donna Banta Ð ESOL Support
Sarah Banta Ð ESOL Support
Karen Bogart Ð Title VII Tutor
Mark Dykes Ð Computer Lab Aid at HS and MS
Flor Gomez Ð ESOL Support
Kathy Palmer Ð At-Risk Aid at HS
Bertha Ortiz Ð ESOL Support
Angela Watson Ð ESOL Support
Amanda Wogoman Ð Learner Support Aide/Noon Aide
á Discussed the structure of bonds regarding the upcoming facilities improvement bond election.
á Adopted Head StartÕs Dispute Resolution Policy.
á Approved the K-12 counseling standards for implementation in the 2007-2008 school year.
á Approved the Pre-kindergarten, 4 year-old at risk standards for implementation in the
2007-2008 school year.
á Approved the purchase of five acres of land adjoining Arkansas City High School.
á Discussed and showed favor in supporting the ACE Fund in their efforts to secure, display and permanently keep pictures of all ACHS Alumni in the form of picture panels.
á Discussed the districtÕs General Fund (LOB) Resolution Information.
á Discussed the possibility of needing a construction manager(s) if the bond question regarding facilities improvement passes.
á Adjourned the meeting.
á The next regular Board of Education meeting will take place at the District Office Monday, September 10.