Monroe County Schools

News Release

For immediate release - February 24, 2010

Cody Parker and Jackson Mohler, James Monroe High School student body officers, opened the regular meeting of the Monroe County Board of Education by leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting held February 23, 2010, at the high school, had been postponed from the previous week. It was the meeting to both showcase the high school and to hear from the Local School Improvement Council (LSIC).

Bill Shiflet, President, welcomed the group and thanked the high school for both their hospitality and attendance. Following the approval of the minutes for meetings held January 28, February 3, and February 4, Mr. Shiflet turned the meeting over to Mike Collins, principal of James Monroe. Collins spoke briefly about some of the good things going on at the high school, namely the leadership of this year’s senior class, that four students had recently been named to the All State Quire, and introduced choir director, Tim James, for a presentation by the four students: Seth Elmore, Jordan Mann, Ann McKenzie Baker and Melissa Johnston.

Following the performance of one of their competition pieces, LSIC President, Trina Shoda presented information on the school’s accomplishments. Bobbie Tuggle, the Technology Integrated Specialist at the high school, and history teacher John Mustain demonstrated to the Board how staff communicated with respect to the lunch count and attendance, using Skype to send in reports to the office. She also demonstrated the school’s capacity to do video calls from classrooms through the program.

During the presentation, it was pointed out that April Hobson, Tim James and Bobbie Tuggle had all won honors for their work. The guidance focus on improving ACT scores, thereby increasing the number of Promise Scholars, was heralded, noting that since June, 120 students had taken the ACT and that 17 seniors and 7 juniors had already qualified through their ACT scores for the Promise Scholarship.

David Johnson, teacher and coordinator of the alternative school, reported on credit recovery efforts to help students graduate with their class, as well as opportunities for students to take ACT prep classes after school through the alternative school, or during the day. Collins credited the staff for taking on the goal of ACT improvement and said that these improvements should also yield better WESTEST scores. He and Bobbie Tuggle reported on the goal of addressing class tardies through the Tardy Sweep program. Trina Shoda, also pointed out the school’s communication in addition to Skype, through EdLine, that provided all announcements, early release information, email and the like.

Jackson Mohler talked about the senior breakfast and the reward programs for good behavior or grades. Connie Parker, a parent on the LSIC, spoke about parent roles at the high school, whether it was raising money for the football teams or Project Graduation (the program that provides students with a safe graduation night), or helping chaperone trips. She said one of their fund-raisers was the crowning of a Little Mr. And Miss Maverick at the Greenbrier East basketball game that same night. Cody Parker spoke about the athletic program successes at the school and noted that playing sports required good grades. Collins also pointed out that the cheerleaders had competed during the state compeition and that Jade McDaniel had made 2^nd team All-State, as a cheerleader.

Student Matt Wiseman spoke about the privilege and honor it was to be part of the JMHS Marching Mavericks. He said that the band had earned not just trophies over the past several years, but also tremendous respect from other bands throughout the state. He listed some of the honors the band had won, including the grand champion honors in two different competitions.

Collins continued to review the school’s goals and accomplishments. The presentation ended with a song from Seth Elmore. The Board then took a recess to eat the meal prepared.

Under the Superintendent’s Report, Guy reported on a certification issue raised by the recent visit by the Office of Education Performance Audits at Mountain View School. She noted that the Other Post Employment Benefits lawsuit by the 50 counties had been filed; provided the board with information regarding the number of electric meters at each school; announced the beginning of counseling services by adolescent counselor Chelsea Hunter to be offered through the Monroe Health Center at each school. She reported on training for the dropout grant, and reported on efforts to recapture instructional time, including the fact that the State Superintendent was canceling staff development sessions that required teachers to be out of the classroom. Guy also presented information regarding decline in cash balances.

Under Policy Development, the Board approved the Promotion/Retention Policy IKE with corrections; approved the Programs of Study PK-8 - IKFC; approved administrative guidelines for the Excess Levy Budget Process; and noted the ongoing revisions to the Emergency Operations Plan to be placed on the agenda for the next meeting for adoption as a work in progress.

Under Finance, the Board approved paying bills, and approved budget transfers and supplements.

Under personnel, the Board approved the hiring of Patti Chlepas as a long-term substitute in a special education position at Peterstown Elementary; approved leave of absence requests from Melissa Craig and Tammy Spangler; and approved a medical leave request from Jenenna Baker.

The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.