Whitko Approves Appropriations, Hears Prelim ISTEP Scores
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Daniel [email protected]
“What a difference a day makes,” said Clason.
Clason said an excellent graduating class, stable budget, ability to potentially add new staff and a two-year agreement with Whitko teachers have renewed his and others’ confidence going forward.
Clason said the school district will have a new communications/marketing plan; a new web presence; and more kids signed up for science, technology, engineering and math classes.
Tempered by Clason’s optimism was a presentation of preliminary ISTEP scores by Whitko Middle School Principal Jerry Klausing.
Klausing said numbers were down for sixth- and seventh-graders while the numbers were mixed for eighth-graders.
“I’m not a happy camper,” said Klausing. “We paid the price. We cut money to save the budget and lost the scores.”
Klausing said lower scores point to a need for smaller class sizes along with more teachers.
ISTEP scores were also mixed at both elementary schools with numbers up mainly in third and fourth grade but down in fifth grade.
Whitko High School, however, saw numbers go up in every single category. That includes 21 percent more students passing algebra.
The Whitko School Board approved an additional appropriation of $625,000 after selling bonds to do technology work at Pierceton and South Whitley elementary schools.
The board also approved a discipline plan mandated by the state.
The three themes of the plan are “Safe – Respectful – Appropriate”.
Part of the program will include improved mental health care for students.
The board approved several personnel moves including the resignation of Rob Bell as the girls varsity basketball coach. He will be replaced by Brandon Bradley.
The board also adopted meal prices for the next school year.
A board goal session is set tentatively for Aug. 6 at 8 a.m.
The board will hold its reorganization meeting July 5 at 7:30 p.m. after an executive session.
The board’s regular board meeting is July 18 at 7:30 p.m.[[In-content Ad]]
“What a difference a day makes,” said Clason.
Clason said an excellent graduating class, stable budget, ability to potentially add new staff and a two-year agreement with Whitko teachers have renewed his and others’ confidence going forward.
Clason said the school district will have a new communications/marketing plan; a new web presence; and more kids signed up for science, technology, engineering and math classes.
Tempered by Clason’s optimism was a presentation of preliminary ISTEP scores by Whitko Middle School Principal Jerry Klausing.
Klausing said numbers were down for sixth- and seventh-graders while the numbers were mixed for eighth-graders.
“I’m not a happy camper,” said Klausing. “We paid the price. We cut money to save the budget and lost the scores.”
Klausing said lower scores point to a need for smaller class sizes along with more teachers.
ISTEP scores were also mixed at both elementary schools with numbers up mainly in third and fourth grade but down in fifth grade.
Whitko High School, however, saw numbers go up in every single category. That includes 21 percent more students passing algebra.
The Whitko School Board approved an additional appropriation of $625,000 after selling bonds to do technology work at Pierceton and South Whitley elementary schools.
The board also approved a discipline plan mandated by the state.
The three themes of the plan are “Safe – Respectful – Appropriate”.
Part of the program will include improved mental health care for students.
The board approved several personnel moves including the resignation of Rob Bell as the girls varsity basketball coach. He will be replaced by Brandon Bradley.
The board also adopted meal prices for the next school year.
A board goal session is set tentatively for Aug. 6 at 8 a.m.
The board will hold its reorganization meeting July 5 at 7:30 p.m. after an executive session.
The board’s regular board meeting is July 18 at 7:30 p.m.[[In-content Ad]]
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