I spent two hours writing my blog only to have it disappear. This is a re-write which will be even shorter as I attempt to capture some highlights from the meeting.
Arriving early at the Regular Board Meeting at Grove High School, several of us were treated to a tour of improvements to the building made over the summer. Principal Kreutz explained the new safety measures implemented at the entrance of the building (to prevent unwanted entrance into the building) and showed the newly carpeted hallways. These updates were accomplished with funds from our last bond issue.
After the meeting was called to order and the pledges said, I presented a short audience speech concerning the Consent Agenda.
A consent agenda is a meeting tool that groups routine, non-controversial items into one agenda block so a board can approve them all with a single motion and vote instead of discussing each separately. This month there were 24 items on the Consent Agenda.
I had emailed my audience speech to each Board Member and the Superintendent individually on Monday before the Tuesday meeting. I cited a specific matter in the Consent Agenda I would have liked specific information about.
The great thing is that more specific information about agenda items was placed in the agenda before the meeting on Tuesday evening. I was thrilled to find this out!
By way of clarification, our District Secretary and Treasurer, Diana Jeffries, said this in an email. "Anything that doesn't have banking information or employee confidentiality information on it will be for public viewing on Assemble. If anyone is unable to get signed up for assembly, they can always email the Supt or myself and request the records, and we would be able to get them a copy of whatever is needed abiding by our open records policy. "
Now we can have even more information! This is great news!
Superintendent's Report
The third week of school went smoothly.
Transportation was basically on time with only a few wrinkles that needed to be worked out.
The alarms at the High School have been fixed!
Dates of future school events were given.
….and so much more!
Under Regular Business 7b. Principal Kreutz told how they are dealing with dropouts at the High School. Effective community relations developed over time has aided the HS administration in identifying students who may have dropped out. Have the students moved? Have they been sick over a long time? Who can we talk to find out these things? Students who stay in school and graduate have a higher probability of being successful in life so there is a great effort in giving that support. I heard, "We have the BEST teachers," from Mr. Kreutz so many times during his comments. He is a super-duper cheerleader for his staff and faculty. How encouraging!
Somehow, the Delaware County Assessor didn't give enough money to some schools and gave too much to others. Grove received $22,134.60 too much so that will need to be given back somehow.
The Board voted to participate in the K20/OSSBA strategic planning process. There will be a 5 year plan developed aimed at increasing academic performance and the structural needs of our district.
Jeanne Smith told of the growth of the Technology Student Association and their participation in various competitions where travel is required. The Board voted to approve a TSA Booster Club.
I would urge you to sign up for the Assemble emails that will include the agendas for meetings. Go to ridgerunners.net and do a search for School Board and you will be prompted with a way to sign up. We have so much information that our school is willingly giving us…. more than other school districts as far as I have found.
Until next month,
Pam Jarrett
