ACT scores are concern for USD 408 years ago
Sports reporter
ACT test scores and academic improvement initiatives shared a mixed agenda with hats, school lunches, and admission prices to school activities at the Nov. 14 meeting of Marion /Florence USD 408 Board of Education.
Marion High School principal Ken Arnhold, MHS counselor Phoebe Janzen, MHS teachers Gary Stuchlik and Roger Schwab presented information regarding possible class schedule changes for MHS next fall, intended to boost academic achievement.
Arnhold provided a report showing MHS students who took the ACT college admissions test in 2005-06 scored slightly above the national composite average score, but did not fare as well compared to other Kansans.
"We scored below the state average in every category, and that's a concern," noted district superintendent Lee Leiker.
Arnhold and Janzen described for the board a revised class schedule designed to improve the quality of instruction students receive. They discussed initiatives such as small group and individualized instruction, the use of ACT Prep software tutorials, and honors classes that can increase student readiness for the exam.
Stuchlik described efforts to bring the math curriculum more in line with ACT's curriculum targets.
Boundary changes
Board members unanimously approved a revised map of the boundaries used to determine voting and representation for board seats.
"There was a legislative statute that came down to balance our population within those districts within five percent of the overall average," explained Leiker.
The most significant boundary change moves Marion County Lake from the district currently represented by Kathy Meierhoff and Jan Helmer, to the one represented by Rex Savage and Lyle Leppke. No board members were affected by the realignment.
Greg Tice, project manager/architect with Spangenberg Phillips Architecture, updated the board on construction timelines for the planned performing arts center and sports and wellness complex.
Ground breaking for the performing arts center is slated for late December, according to Tice, with completion of the work tentatively projected to coincide with the start of the 2007-08 academic year. Construction on the sports and wellness complex will start after the first of the year.
Special education
Leppke reported back to the board about his work with a Marion County Special Education Cooperative subcommittee investigating options for housing cooperative programs and offices.
The subcommittee reached no decisions, according to Leppke, but expressed interest in convening a joint meeting with the cooperative board and the boards of education from the five participating school districts.
Leppke related a request from MCSEC regarding possible revisions to the current one year, $50,000 lease agreement MCSEC has with USD 408 for use of district facilities in Florence. MCSEC is interested in considering longer lease options, according to Leppke.
Following discussion of various options, Meierhoff moved to approve a proposal reducing the lease amount to $40,000 annually, in exchange for a three-year lease contract. Helmer seconded the motion, which passed 6-1, with Leppke dissenting.
High school issues
The board entertained presentations regarding two issues raised by MHS students.
Ben Leppke presented a request to allow students to take their lunches from the lunchroom to other areas of the high school, due to crowded conditions caused by an increase in students remaining at school for lunch.
Arnhold agreed the lunchroom has been overcrowded, and the board approved a trial period in which students may take lunches to the senior hallway, or outside on school grounds when weather permits. The arrangement will be evaluated in two months.
Todd Guetersloh presented a letter composed by his son, Isaac, requesting a revision in the school's hat policy.
Currently, hats worn by students in the school building are confiscated, and held until the end of the year.
Guetersloh's letter pointed out that the penalty was more severe than that for cell phone usage, in which a student receives a warning and the cell phone is immediately returned to the student's parents. He suggested the more punitive hat policy be revised to be more consistent with the cell phone policy.
Arnhold recommended no change in the policy for the remainder of the academic year, and indicated the policy would be re-evaluated prior to next year.
The board took no action on the request.
The board discussed a request from district patrons to consider waiving admission charges for school activities in which they have children participating.
"They already contribute a lot just by having their children involved in activities," Leiker pointed out.
The board directed Leiker to study the proposal in greater detail, to determine the impact it would have on revenue, and how it would affect logistical issues such as ticket gate operations.
In other business, the board:
— recognized the achievements of MHS all-MCAA league football and volleyball players, and cross country state qualifiers.
— approved a board retreat, to be held Nov. 29, for planning future directions.
— heard brief reports from Helmer, regarding the recent TEEN conference at MHS, and Keith Collett, regarding the district school improvement team.
