School Board Handles Routine Business
The Jasper County School Board handled much routine business at its work session last Thursday evening and subsequent business meeting on Tuesday.
During Thursday’s session they heard of the need for a new PEC (Program for Exceptional Children) teacher in kindergarten through fifth grade. Dr. Kristie Brooks explained that it would be for students with significant mental health issues and behavior issues. Less than 10 are anticipated to be in the class, and Dr. Brooks stressed it was needed badly. She said the system will earn state money to offset the expense. The board approved the addition of a PEC program at the regular meeting.
{{more}}
They also heard from Dr. Angela Gordon on the progress of the virtual academy. It was launched in 2014, she said, and had 19 students. In the 2014-2015 year there were 15 seniors and 12 graduated. Last year there were 79 students in and out of the program. Of the 24 seniors, 18 graduated.
There are currently 53 students. She said they have outgrown their area, and talked about the need for more resources. She said the addition of the part-time counselor helped a lot. Most of the students are high school, but there are a few middle schoolers.
The board also heard about the MAP, Measures of Academic Progress, testing taking place. Board members learned it is a norm referenced assessment, and it helps teachers to know how to structure the day for specific students. It offers real information on where kids are, said Dr. Brooks. The idea is to try to focus on strugglers, try to push high achievers, and be flexible in meeting the needs of all.
In the monthly attendance reports, the board learned a few students already have five unexcused absences from school. They also saw an overview of the health report, showing first of school sicknesses.
Board members heard from Gary Jenkins, personnel coordinator, about Campus Benefits, a new benefit package available to the staff. He showed what benefits it would cover, and the cost compared to the old plan. It offers term life insurance, disability, vision and dental insurance as well as several health policies which supplement the insurance staff members have. It is all voluntary and self-funded. The plan will be explained to staff in sessions on October 11, then individual sign-up will take place Oct. 17 through Nov. 4. The plan will take effect in January.
The board got a report on the multi-purpose building, and were told Tuesday the steel was going up. It is expected to have a roof by the end of October.
The board approved a few personnel hires, including Zachary Norris, paraprofessional (vocational), Jasper County High School; Kristy Villeda, Elvira Tenorio, Alisha Freeman, and Rubynell Slaton, all a school food assistants. They also accepted the resignation of Sabrina Harris, bus driver.
Board members agreed to which continuous education they would attend, and handled a number of routine items, including the approval of numerous fund raising requests and field trips.
