At its regular meeting Monday night, the USD 470 Board of Education passed a motion to proceed with implementing a grant for the middle school and high school to support technology rich classrooms.
The $120,000 Funds for Innovation in Education or F.I.E. grant was awarded in August to support technology in grades 6-12 and advance innovation through technology rich classrooms.
The grant will provide funding for staff trainings, software and supplies to enhance student achievement, Promethian Boards, laptop and desktop computers, camcorders for the high school’s broadcasting class, and more.
In other news, the Board:
Called the meeting to order.
Approved the agenda.
Approved the consent agenda.
Recognized the following requests for early retirement:
1.Frances Smith ? Reading at ACMS
2.J. Christine Squires ? Language Arts at ACMS
Recognized the following resignations:
1.Phyllis McCorgary ? Secretary at ACHS
2.Kaeleigh Stokes ? Library/Lunch Aide at Jefferson
Recognized the following new staff:
1.Twilla Kahm ? Secretary at ACMS
Accepted a $1,100 WalMart gift card from the Arkansas City WalMart for use at the middle school during state assessments.
Heard a special report from Adams Elementary staff.
Accepted an audit improvement plan to address areas of a recent audit that needed attention or improvement.
The action plan was created to help further the effectiveness of fiscal operations in the school district.
Heard a report from J.K. Campbell, Asst. Superintendent, and Ron Young, Director of Technology, on wireless technology throughout the district. The board discussed the possibility of using bond technology funds to increase the wireless infrastructure at the high school and middle school.
Heard a report from Dr. Jan Voss, Assoc. Superintendent, on the textbook rotation plan. The board discussed altering and/or delaying the rotation schedule in order to address current budget reductions.
Heard a budget report from Superintendent, Dr. Ron Ballard, Asst. Superintendent J.K. Campbell, and Board members Janet Carroll and Daren Reese. The district administrators presented information on current state revenues, cash flow, and the impact on our local district.
The district has received the first of two state payments for December and will be able to make payroll this month. Ballard and Campbell will bring more information and updates to the Board at the next regular meeting.
Took a five-minute break.
Moved in to executive session to discuss personnel matters.
Called the regular meeting back to order.
Adjourned.
The next regular BOE meeting is January 11, 2010 at 7 p.m. at the district offices,
2545 Greenway.
