~from the Sturgis News

The Union County Board of Education met in an hour long session Monday night, hearing reports and approving a contract for school nurses.
Following the recognition of middle school student Braydon Thomas, who had art displayed in New York, and nine UCHS art students: Jennifer Adams, Alexandria Allen, Tekeyah Barnhill, Becca Brown, Dylan Ellis, Emily Elsey, Alex Huffman, Jacob Mackey and Christopher Rippy. The board heard a request to use the Terry Goodwin Scholarship funds to begin a chorus program in the elementary and middle schools. The scholarship was started many years ago in honor of the late Goodwin, who was a teacher of music in the school district and who made significant contributions to the community, Malinda Beauchamp told the board. A request from the trustees of the account requested that the funds be turned over to the school. The board approved the request.
A proclamation from the Kentucky ASAP group was also presented, with the school district showing their support of ASAP's campaign against prescription drug abuse. Superintendent Patricia Sheffer praised Jerry Baird, director of the local ASAP, for his work on the initiative.

In her report to the board, Sheffer noted that Operation Preparation held in the district last week for eighth and tenth graders was a great success. "We were overwhelmed by the number of community members and business leaders that came out (to work with students)," Sheffer said. She added that 26 individuals volunteered at the middle school while 50 volunteers mentored high school students. At the high school, the mentors met with students in a large group following the individual sessions and answered questions about various occupations. "We will continue to encourage them (community members and business leaders) to come to our schools in the future," the superintendent said.

In other news, Sheffer presented the board with a list of Section 4 (certified) allocations for each school as well as a list of Section 5 (classified) allocations for the coming year. She also announced that Kent Green will serve as acting principal at Union County Middle School; former principal at that school, Michael Tinsley, has moved to a curriculum specialist position for the district.

Because there have not been 20 attendance days since the last attendance report, Steve Carter did not present attendance records. He did say, however, that the district "has been cursed in the last fee week with high absenteeism due to illness." The attendance never dropped below 90 percent, he said, but both he and Sheffer monitored attendance at each school three times a day to determine whether or not closing would become necessary. Carter said he expects to present attendance records for two months at the board's April meeting.

Amy Nelson presented the students achievement report, telling board members that since the last meeting the district focus has been on math benchmarks. While mastery and proficiency are not at the level the district desires, Nelson noted that "Standards shifted and students (at the high school level) are being assessed in Algebra II and Pre Calculus rather than Algebra I. We have a lot of catching up to day." Nelson added that under achievement in math is a state wide trend due to the changes in state standards. Sheffer added that math standards from the state are much harder this year.
Nelson told the board that while the majority of Union County students fall into the "needs improvement" category, both the students and teachers are working hard to make the necessary gains in math. "Teachers are coming in early or staying late" to provide the help students need, she said.
Asked by board member Jim Ricketts if students are aware of the data, Nelson said, "We have to be careful how it is presented to students because they get down on themselves," but she added that students are told individually of their academic needs and the same graphs presented to the board are posted at the school.

"Students are feeling the stress," Nelson said as she and Sheffer discussed the requirement that testing counts as 20 percent of a student's grade. The other 80 percent is comprised from classroom work and other class grades, but "If they don't have a passing grade and the 20 percent, it could keep them from graduating," Sheffer added. She also noted that teachers are working very hard to ensure student success.

 
Robin Thacker, principal of the UCHS, reported the high school is preparing for next year, having already completed a master schedule and registration for students. She also noted that juniors have completed the ACT and were challenged with an attendance reward (which they won) and with King of the Hill, a move that would allow them to park at the top of the hill and teachers park at the bottom of the hill. She added that students are struggling with Algebra I concepts but school personnel is working diligently to improve these skills. The school continues to follow Top 10 instruction, she said. "We are challenging students with behavior and attendance for the last nine weeks with a reward trip," she said. The principal also added, "Operation Preparation was a huge success--our students were excited."

David Waggener gave a brief financial report and told the board, "Obviously there is no real good new on the (state) budget process." He added that it is unclear whether the legislature will even have a budget. He reminded the board that locally SEEK funds have been reduced by about $350,000, and although the Kentucky Department of Education continues to press the state for additional funding, "We're making plans to deal with it (budget cuts) on our end."

Carter presented additional information about on installation of a marquee sign for the high school, he has received a number of quotes from various vendors with prices ranging from $22,000 to about $37,000. The board received $18,000 in insurance funds when the last sign was damaged, and a local businessman has offered to donate $6000 toward the project. Ricketts said during discussions about the sign, "I'm not opposed to a nice sign, but we have limited resources in this district and it will be difficult for me to vote to spend $25,000 on a sign."

Board member Melissa Whitsell said she is not opposed to the sign, but expressed concern that it might be a distraction at the busy exit drives of the high and middle schools.

Carter interjected, "I firmly believe (a sign that could recognize students' achievements) is something these students deserve. I'll go any direction you want me to go (gathering information or choosing a sign)." The board voted to table the matter while Carter continues to gather information and develop specifications.

In other business the board approved an agreement to continue contracting nurses through the health department. Beauchamp presented information regarding an increase in the board's contribution from $55,000 this year to about $85,000 for the next school year. Beauchamp told the board that this amount pays salaries for five registered nurses and two program assistants and is significantly cheaper than the board having to hire their own nurses for the district. The board approved the contract.

Eleven consent items were approved by the board including the personnel report, travel report, trip requests, second reading of the instructional organization policy, renewal of grants for United Way, the press box dedication, a shortened school day request, a contract with RBS Design for stadium improvements and the design for stadium improvements.

Before adjourning, the board okayed a change in the April meeting date, time and place. The April meeting will be held April 23, at 6:30 at the high school to accommodate the annual Oscars night, an event that recognizes students for their academic achievements.