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Grades vs. school activities, District scores aren't adding up  Share
The Red Hill Unit 10 school board is questioning whether or not students' grades are suffering due to participation in school-related trips. With that question weighing on their minds, school board members pondered the validity of approving numerous field trips during their Thursday, Oct. 15 meeting. The consent agenda for the meeting was approved with the exception of an FFA trip to the Louisville, Ky. Farm Show. In view of the fact that Red Hill High School has not made its AYP (Annual Yearly Progress) for two years as demanded by the state, board member Gary Huber is spearheading the group to seek out reasons and solutions. While there is a school policy that reinforces the deduction of a half credit if a student misses nine days, Huber scolded activity leaders of FFA, as well as sporting events. ''I think we need to put some limits on how much time a kid misses class on school activities,'' he said. After Huber put the heat on the staff, maintenance supervisor Tim Emmons explained reasons for the lack of heat in the Sumner Attendance Center. The steam system repairs were still being made. Emmons' projection was that repairs would be made by this past Monday. Other heating systems throughout the district were tested and met with approval. Emmons also reported that many of the Life, Health, Safety inspection issues could be dealt with by the district staff. It will be a savings of $39,000. To ward off the effects of the flu season, a significant number of hand sanitizer in pump bottles has been placed throughout district buildings. Foam sanitizer dispensers have also been ordered for the schools. According to the district administration, 30 percent of the school's population would have to be absent to warrant the closing of the schools.
Eric Andrews, transportation director, reported that the ''Transfinder'' GPS (Global Positioning System) equipment had been shipped and should be received soon. It will take approximately one week for the bus route information to be stored in the computer. However, Unit 10 was initially denied the use of needed E-911 maps from Crawford County to complete the process. Following a presentation by Ann Emken, University of Illinois Extension/Lawrence County Industrial Development Council Executive Director, a resolution for the extension of the Enterprize Zone to 2020 was adopted. While it met with some opposition from board members Roger Kissen, Jim Legg and Elaine Smith, the motion made by Huber and seconded by Chad Hill passed. The opposing board members contended that the ''lion's share of the Enterprize Zone is not in the Unit 10 district.'' Some of the board members were also disgruntled with the gradual tax abatement for new house, business and industry owners. During RHHS Principal Clarence Gross' report, he brought forth information concerning the North Central Accreditation for which RHHS will be up for renewal in March. Of 778 high schools in the state, 210 are accreditated. Gross said that East Richland, Mount Carmel, Oblong and RHHS are the only local schools still carrying the prestigious recognition. However, he explained that the NCA was developed before learning standards and state mandates came into effect. Gross questioned the necessity of the intensive staff efforts warranted to fulfill the 80-100 page self-assessment which is accompanied by the district's membership fee of $625 per year. The board will further discuss the matter for a decision to be announced in a special meeting. The board scheduled a ''school improvement meeting'' that will allow the public to voice their concerns. The ''public forum'' style meeting will be at 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29 in the RHHS cafeteria. In other business, the board: - employed Scott Murray as the BGS fifth/sixth grade boysbasketball coach. - employed Stacy Moore and Robert Petty as BGS boys $1 basketball coaches. - employed Melissa Wilson as the BGS girls $1 basketball coach. - approved a three-year contract for the purchase of Pre-K through grade 12 academic planners at a cost of $7,000 per year. - approved district/school report cards for 2009. - appointed board member Elaine Smith as the Illinois Association of School Boards delegate for the IASB conference in Chicago, November 20-22. Superintendent Matt Seaton reviewed the stance of the board on several issues to be voted on during the conference. - heard that the Dream Catcher's after-school tutoring program was in need of volunteers. Interested volunteers are encouraged to call Gina Dining at 945-9038 or Bobbi Shuppert at 943-6195. Barbara E. Allender is editor of the Bridgeport Leader.
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