Hume school board evaluates next year's schedule, reviews several budget issues

Thursday, March 25, 2004

By Lynn A. Wade

The cost of operating a school and the schedule for next year highlighted the Hume R-8 school board's regular meeting last week.

The district is studying the idea of using an interactive television/ Internet program provided by Southwest Missouri State University, as a way of offering a greater variety of classes to high school students.

Hume R-8 principal Ryan Huff first brought up the notion during a school board meeting March 17, to see if the board had interest in pursuing the idea.

"It's just an idea, at this point," Huff said.

The board had many questions, but agreed that Huff should look into the idea further. No decisions were made.

Huff cautioned that, given budget constraints all schools are now facing, such a move may turn out to be out of the question, but it's an intriguing idea that could offer the students opportunity.

The school district's existing equipment appears adequate to provide the service, so there would be little expense, if any, in that respect; however, the delivery cost charged by SMSU, which varies according to how many students are signed up for the courses, could be more than the school's budget can bear.

"The board hasn't decided to do anything, but we are looking at how it's going to fit into the program," Huff said.

School officials are also polling the students to see if there's interest, and how many would participate in classes -- such as foreign language classes -- if offered in this manner.

Huff also reviewed next year's class schedule with the board, which will include sixth graders in rotating classes, along with students in seventh through 12th grades. At present, the district plans one classroom for kindergarten, one for first grade, combined second and third grades, and combined fourth and fifth grades; and a tentative calendar of events was presented to the board.

In addition, Superintendent Larry Berry presented an update on the budget. More funds are needed for debt service, but Berry reported that bonds will be paid off in three years.

In other business, the board:

* Decided against buying a new copier due to budget constraints.

* Discussed repair of leaks in the kindergarten and social studies room.

* Heard a report from Teresa Sword, CTA representative, noting that the Missouri State Teachers Association Conference is coming up.

* Reviewed a change in the district's health insurance renewal proposal, which Berry said will cost $311.31 per month with the same benefits or $275.76 per month with an increase in co-pay to $30 and lab work being part of the deductible.

* Approved the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

In executive session, the board voted to offer 2004-'05 contracts to Jackie Duncan, Susan Harris, Dawn Arens, Lori Lindeman, Jennifer Madison, Tammy Metcalf, Scott Morrison, Amanda Sears and Teresa Sword.

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