Owens, Mueller resign at Centre
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
At its Monday meeting, Centre board of education accepted the resignations of two of the district's certified employees, effective at the end of their 2006-07 contracts.
Tambra Owens resigned her position as district library media specialist. She has worked in the Centre school district for 20 years and has accepted a similar position at Campus High School in Haysville.
First grade teacher Ashley Mueller resigned after one year with the district.
After a 20-minute executive session to discuss personnel, including Superintendent Bob Kiblinger, the board approved employment of Patrick Schoenhofer as a math teacher. He has a bachelor of science degree and 12 years of experience.
Maternity leave for math instructor Laura Vinduska was extended two and a half weeks, to the end of the school year.
Action on supplemental duty assignments for the next school year was tabled until the May meeting.
The board authorized employment of four students as temporary help for summer maintenance at a cost of up to $6,500 in wages and fixed charges. This is a reduction of $2,000 from the previous year.
Kiblinger introduced Nadine Smith, who will serve as 5-12 principal beginning this fall. This is her first year in an administrative position. She has been in education for 10 years.
Smith said she is excited about coming to Centre. She said her walk-through of the school buildings before she was hired gave her "a good feeling." She said the teachers were excited and the students were engaged.
Board changes in July
Terry Deines was present and signed the oath of office. The newly-elected board member will replace Leona Hajek, who is quitting her position in July.
Other newly-filled positions include current board member Jesse Brunner as Tampa representative, replacing Clark Davis, who also is quitting. Brunner currently is the at-large member. Steve Jirak defeated Kevin Hill as the new at-large board member. Mark Heiser was re-elected to represent the Ramona area.
Fifth and sixth grade instructors Marci Cain and Tana Riffel presented videos of multi-media projects their students have completed using the Technology Rich Classroom program. Fifth graders addressed causes of the Revolutionary War. Sixth graders explored Greek myths.
The board approved continued participation in Parents As Teachers (PAT) for the 2007-08 school year at a cost of $4,694.
Along with the district's participation, the board is requesting that Parents As Teachers set a goal of serving families in each district equal to enrollment distribution, which mirrors the district assessment percentage used by Marion County Special Education Cooperative.
Currently, 95 families are being served by PAT: eight each at Centre and Peabody, 29 at Marion, 43 at Hillsboro, and seven at Goessel.
Based on enrollment, the goal would be to serve 13 Centre, 17 Peabody, 28 Marion, 30 Hillsboro, and 12 Goessel families.
The board approved an expenditure of $20,000 to purchase laptop computers. They will replace laptops being used in the fifth and sixth grade classrooms. According to technology director Russ Hake, many of them have weak batteries and other problems.
Graduation survey approved
The board approved a survey to be given to 2007 graduating seniors. It includes such questions as: What is your future career goal? What school do you plan to attend? Did school make learning exciting and encourage you to continue your education? Did you ever experience significant harassment from other students?
Graduates are asked to rate from 1 to 5 statements such as: Teachers generally held high standards and demanded quality work. My teachers were knowledgeable about the course/subject being taught. Rules were enforced consistently and fairly.
They also are encouraged to suggest how CHS could be improved to better meet their educational needs.
The board approved lists of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and FFA activities for the next school year.
They also conducted other routine business including approval of KASB membership and legal dues and adoption of the 2007-2008 handbook.
