School board discusses early childhood education
Staff writer
Unified School District 410 Board of Education held its regularly scheduled meeting Monday evening following a two-hour board planning session.
After the meeting was called to order, the board approved the regular and consent agendas. The consent agenda consisted of minutes from the November board meeting, acceptance of gifts, and approval of individual development plans.
The gifts accepted were a $100 donation from Container Services and a $300 donation from Hillsboro Kiwanis Club. Both gifts were to be used for support of after-school programs in the district.
The planning session included discussion of technology, buildings and facilities, early childhood education, and how to close the gap between required standards and outcomes.
In the discussion of early childhood education, the board talked about the option of all-day kindergarten, a four-year-old at risk program, and preschool solutions.
Superintendent Gordon Mohn asked the board if they wanted as a district to become a more vocal player in getting the community to come to the table to discuss community-based child care.
"It's an issue of closing the achievement gap," said board member Rod Koons. "We need to be a part of the solution."
Evan Yoder, Hillsboro Elementary School principal, told the board there currently is a greater percentage of second graders not testing at grade level than ever before, despite all efforts the school has been making. He said kindergartners came to school with different levels of learning than in the past.
"The sooner we can get them into the school system, the better," said Yoder.
Mohn said he would arrange a child-care summit soon with area employers, child-care providers, churches, and other interested parties.
Following the board's planning session, Yoder reported elementary and middle schools had held a general education training the previous week. The speaker provided helpful information and will return Jan. 16 for an afternoon training session.
Corey Burton, Hillsboro Middle School principal, said a bullying prevention training session will be held the morning of Jan. 16 at the middle school.
Burton said STUCO and site-based council will donate $1,500 to an elementary school in Pascagola, Miss.
Activities director Max Heinrichs said the booster club would help purchase new banners for the gym. Because of a lack of space, the booster club plans to purchase two new banners, one for state championships, and one for league championships.
Dale Honeck, Hillsboro High School principal, told board members there were 16 National Honor Society inductees this year.
He also told of a department meeting held in November to plan for the coming year. He will update the board on changes in January.
The meeting agenda included information about the state board of education's issue of vouchers or scholarships for private and charter schools. Mohn told the board he would be attending the state board of education meetings in Topeka to find out more.
Jerry Hinerman, board clerk, reviewed financial reports and received board approval for payment of bills. Following the report, the board took a tour of the facilities.
The next regularly scheduled board of education meeting will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 9 in the technology center at the high school.
