The West Prairie District 103 board of education met in regular session Wednesday, April 22. Major issues under discussion were preparation and approval of a transportation handbook, sale of property and ongoing sports co-op discussions with Southeastern District 337. In addition, several staff changes, retirements and resignations were approved.
After the bus tragedy in the Rushville-Industry schools, districts have begun to codify more specific language and requirements for transportation providers, creating a transportation handbook. At present, the final form of West Prairie's handbook is still being crafted. The board then approved putting the finalized form of the transportation handbook on first reading.
The board tabled action on a purchase agreement with Ameren to acquire a 50'x150' plot of ground adjacent to their substation west of the bus barn for a backup switching station. Superintendent Paula Markey would like to have attorney approval of the agreement before the board takes any action.
A considerable amount of the meeting time was taken in reviewing ongoing conversations with the Southeastern District 337 regarding co-oping sports programs. Of concern is whether to include the girls volleyball and boys basketball programs with the current four sports that are shared (football, girls basketball, girls softball and boys baseball). Other sports such as golf, track and cross country were also included in the discussion. It was agreed that more coordination between the two districts and with their respective communities needs to take place, especially regarding the volleyball and basketball programs. At present, numbers of players in both schools' programs are significantly large; coaches have expressed interest in creating freshman, junior varsity and varsity teams in both sports to allow for more student participation.
On employment issues, the board approved maternity leaves for Audrey Nofziger and Emily Ebey, and accepted the resignations of early childhood teacher Abi Gregg and elementary teacher Danielle Phillips. The following transfers were approved: Amanda Peters from South Elementary special education teacher to Jr/Sr High School special education teacher. Cristine Purdy from South Elementary early childhood teacher to South Elementary special education teacher. Brittany Stambaugh from South Elementary paraprofessional to South Elementary early childhood teacher. Ashley Fayhee from South Elementary second grade teacher to kindergarten teacher. Patty Clark from South Elementary to Jr/Sr High School math teacher.
The board approved employment of Danielle Mason as elementary teacher and employment of Mark Benson as high school football coach. The contracts of Assistant Principal Brittany Thompson, North Elementary Principal Sara Ryner, and South Elementary Principal Caitlyn Watson were approved.
In other business, Markey reported that three Freedom of Information requests were made concerning Career and Technical Education (CTE) expenditures, all vendor purchases since January and law firms providing legal services to the district.
District Technology Director Andrew Beasley explained to the board that new interactive smart boards will soon be available in all of the classrooms, thanks to Phase 2 of a Tracy Foundation grant. Both students and teachers have found these resources to be especially effective in creating student engagement. He also spoke favorably of future acquisition of Apple Mac Neo laptops for teachers and students. They are significantly less expensive than regular Macs without noticeable loss of computing function.
Markey noted that a significant amount of money is still available in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grant and must be spent. Plans call for the purchase of a handicap-accessible van as well as a special education van. $50,000 has been allocated to upgrade playground handicap-accessible equipment at the South Elementary.
Concerning other district facilities, replacement entry doors will be installed at the North Elementary in Good Hope. Progress is being made on moving the scoreboard from the football field at the Sciota campus and in landscaping for the intended football field at the Colchester school site.
In public comments, Colchester Mayor Mark Clark expressed his and the city's appreciation for the collaboration of erecting news score boards and lights at the three ball fields in Friendway Park. West Prairie- Southeastern play their home games on these fields.
South Elementary Principal Caitlyn Watson reported that she and a few other teachers visited Monmouth-Roseville elementary math teachers who are using a math curriculum West Prairie is considering. They are also planning to visit Abingdon-Avon school district and how their math program is implemented.
Assistant Principal Brittany Thompson reported on a successful 'wellness' day program with 15 different groups making presentations to the students along with a keynote speaker. She also spoke about the SAEBRS program (Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener), a three-minute survey both students and teachers take. The results help counselors identify social groupings for students.
Markey and Instructional Coach Corinne Biswell were honored at an NEA banquet with Crystal Apple awards.
Student of the Quarter certificates were presented to the following: Avery Butler, 7th grade; Kate Beck, 8th grade; Alyvia Barkley, 9th grade; Josie Hodges, 10th grade; Madison Bostic, 11th grade; and Ryan Clark, 12th
