Warsaw Schools Talks All-Year School, Budgets, Technology
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Erin Windle-
At a school board meeting Monday, the UDL Technology Team, Julie Kuhn, Gayle Westover and David Hoffert, made a presentation explaining the new technology they were incorporating into the classrooms.
"I-pods" and "Podcasts" are two new instruments being used to help struggling students with different ways of learning.
"Why not turn a toy into a tool," Hoffert said. "The kids already know how to work this technology."
The board gave a round of applause and expressed excitement in watching how the technology improves learning.
The meeting also was a first hearing concerning the idea of year-round school. The state is requiring schools to hold two hearings discussing the matter.
Members of the board expressed concern for transportation budgets, employee costs and capital project funds.
"We are struggling to run the buses right now with fuel costs ... it would be very difficult to run them for 12 months," Haworth said.
It seems the community has showed little support for year-round school, members of the board said. The next hearing will be July 16.
Chief Financial Advisor Kevin Scott said there is roughly $780,000 left to spend out on the WCS Construction Project. In regards to the building program, state statute requires a representative to be appointed to the common wage committee. Dan Robinson was approved for the position, with Ron Yeiter being the alternate.
Scott Mehlburg, physical education teacher at Harrison Elementary, presented an update on the Fitness Trail Report. The construction of a fitness trail started three years ago and is aimed at battling obesity.
Approximately $53,000 already has been raised to build the trail. The board gave approval to start finishing the one-mile trail which will have about 10 fitness stations along the path. But the board does want liability and maintenance issues addressed.
"The trail will benefit schools and the community," Mehlburg said.
The board re-approved the Warsaw Multi-School Building Corporation and all of its directors and then moved on to approve preliminary plans and a proposed lease between the building corporation and Warsaw Community Schools.
The lease was approved for publication and would provide an annual rental of $4,911,000. The Building Corporation was approved for the purpose of financing, constructing and equipping certain school facilities.
The lease agreement discusses plans to renovate, improve and expand the Jefferson Elementary School building. The next hearing concerning plans will be July 16.
Kevin Scott, chief financial advisor, asked to transfer money from debt service to offset the loss of state funding for textbook reimbursement and the transportation fund. The board approved the permission for a transfer of funds.
The board also approved a federal grant for adult education. The grant will total $73,743 and will be of no cost to the district. Adult education program can help students get their GED, learn a second language, improve literacy and improve skills for university entrance.
The board applauded a presentation given by teacher Kyle Carter and his sixth grade students. The students presented the "Jefferson Writing Forum" which is an online discussion board aimed at improving writing skills, online collaboration and word processing skills. Students receive positive feedback from classmates and peers.
"The students are growing as writers and unlike everything else, it's free," Carter said.
All personnel recommendations were approved.
Board members are Delores Hearn, Chuck Sauders, Gene England, Ronald Yeiter, Dan Robinson, Deb Wiggins and Tammy Dalton. Superintendent is Dr. Robert Haworth.[[In-content Ad]]
At a school board meeting Monday, the UDL Technology Team, Julie Kuhn, Gayle Westover and David Hoffert, made a presentation explaining the new technology they were incorporating into the classrooms.
"I-pods" and "Podcasts" are two new instruments being used to help struggling students with different ways of learning.
"Why not turn a toy into a tool," Hoffert said. "The kids already know how to work this technology."
The board gave a round of applause and expressed excitement in watching how the technology improves learning.
The meeting also was a first hearing concerning the idea of year-round school. The state is requiring schools to hold two hearings discussing the matter.
Members of the board expressed concern for transportation budgets, employee costs and capital project funds.
"We are struggling to run the buses right now with fuel costs ... it would be very difficult to run them for 12 months," Haworth said.
It seems the community has showed little support for year-round school, members of the board said. The next hearing will be July 16.
Chief Financial Advisor Kevin Scott said there is roughly $780,000 left to spend out on the WCS Construction Project. In regards to the building program, state statute requires a representative to be appointed to the common wage committee. Dan Robinson was approved for the position, with Ron Yeiter being the alternate.
Scott Mehlburg, physical education teacher at Harrison Elementary, presented an update on the Fitness Trail Report. The construction of a fitness trail started three years ago and is aimed at battling obesity.
Approximately $53,000 already has been raised to build the trail. The board gave approval to start finishing the one-mile trail which will have about 10 fitness stations along the path. But the board does want liability and maintenance issues addressed.
"The trail will benefit schools and the community," Mehlburg said.
The board re-approved the Warsaw Multi-School Building Corporation and all of its directors and then moved on to approve preliminary plans and a proposed lease between the building corporation and Warsaw Community Schools.
The lease was approved for publication and would provide an annual rental of $4,911,000. The Building Corporation was approved for the purpose of financing, constructing and equipping certain school facilities.
The lease agreement discusses plans to renovate, improve and expand the Jefferson Elementary School building. The next hearing concerning plans will be July 16.
Kevin Scott, chief financial advisor, asked to transfer money from debt service to offset the loss of state funding for textbook reimbursement and the transportation fund. The board approved the permission for a transfer of funds.
The board also approved a federal grant for adult education. The grant will total $73,743 and will be of no cost to the district. Adult education program can help students get their GED, learn a second language, improve literacy and improve skills for university entrance.
The board applauded a presentation given by teacher Kyle Carter and his sixth grade students. The students presented the "Jefferson Writing Forum" which is an online discussion board aimed at improving writing skills, online collaboration and word processing skills. Students receive positive feedback from classmates and peers.
"The students are growing as writers and unlike everything else, it's free," Carter said.
All personnel recommendations were approved.
Board members are Delores Hearn, Chuck Sauders, Gene England, Ronald Yeiter, Dan Robinson, Deb Wiggins and Tammy Dalton. Superintendent is Dr. Robert Haworth.[[In-content Ad]]
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