Centre schools achieve standard of excellence
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Teachers and administrators at Centre USD 397 were presented with certificates at Monday's board of education meeting for leading their students and buildings to achieve the standard of excellence.
"The process begins in pre-kindergarten with everyone contributing along the way," Kemble said, "but the teachers who give the tests are under a lot of pressure and deserve special recognition."
They were: Marci Cain, sixth grade math; Gail Lorson, fourth grade reading and math; Candace Tajchman, third grade reading and math; Jerri Kemble, CES principal; Tana Riffel, fifth and sixth grade reading; Jennifer Montgomery, 11th grade reading and writing; Laura Vinduska, 11th grade math; Kelly Steiner, eighth grade reading; and Nadine Smith, junior/senior high school principal.
Several members of the board spent most of the day Monday touring district facilities.
Later, they commented on how technology has changed the way students study and learn. Smartboards are taking the place of blackboards and chalk, and computers and laptops are commonly-used tools.
The board held its regular November meeting at 3:30 p.m. in the high school library and approved the following goals: 1) promote a philosophy of efficiency; 2) monitor and improve the lines of communication with staff, students, parents, and patrons; 3) encourage powerful teacher instruction to impact student learning and achievement; 4) recruit and retain quality teaching staff; 5) promote a safe school environment; 6) effectively prepare for changes in personnel.
Superintendent Jerri Kemble said the next step is to set timelines for implementing the goals. She noted the first goal includes consideration of such things as the merger of the two school sites, a longer school day, and a shorter school year.
Early graduation was approved for five seniors: Aaron Bowman, Kholene Hassler, Ryan Richmond, Heath Shields, and Allie Will. They will have completed graduation requirements at the end of the first semester.
Teresa Huffman, Marion County economic development director, reported the grant she applied for for the possible start-up of a student-run grocery store at the Chipped Cup Café building in Lincolnville was not approved.
Board members advised her not to pursue the proposal any further but asked to be informed about other possible grants that could benefit the district.
Kemble announced that the sale of tickets to the Garth Brooks concert at Kansas City netted $1,200. Prizes were awarded to the top sellers.
The money is being placed in reserve to be used for a parent notification system which will be incorporated into a new computerized student information system which is expected to be purchased in the next month or two.
"We desperately need a communication system with parents," Kemble noted.
The board will consider the issue at the December meeting.
Kemble reported that Bud Peterson informed the district he will not be teaching driver's education at Centre next summer.
The board was asked whether or not they wanted to continue to offer driver's education. Several felt it was important for the students to have this training. They asked Kemble to look into finding a teacher and an approved curriculum.
The board approved an audit contract of $4,100 with Clubine and Rettele.
They spent 20 minutes in executive session, part of it with Kemble, to discuss her performance as superintendent.
High school principal Nadine Smith reported that 14 students attended the national FFA convention at Indianapolis, Ind., and seven students attended the national FBLA convention at Cincinnati, Ohio.
