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NEVC board talks school improvement
Meeting yesterday morning at 7 a.m., five members of the Northeast Vernon County R-1 school board were on hand to discuss and approve contracts with the principals, receive an update on the project to provide air conditioning in the gym, with most of the open session focused on ways to improve buildings and the school’s overall mission.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requires districts to undergo a process to produce and then put into action what is known as a Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.
CSIP is the tool districts utilize to prioritize improvement needs in order for students to graduate ready for success. Setting the goals as well as the how and when things are to be accomplished requires input by district patrons as well as the aid of school staff, administrators and board.
High school principal, Chris Hudson has been tasked with leading the process to produce this year’s CSIP.
Both Hudson and her counterpart at the district’s elementary school in Schell City, Kendall Ogburn, used the bulk of their reports to the board to identify short and long-range building and educational needs at their respective schools.
In his Building Improvement Plan, Ogburn identified 15 areas with two receiving special attention.
“We need to add more what I call soft skills training for students,” said Ogburn. “I’m talking about basic manners, having respect for adults and fellow students and how to be neat, whether in the lunchroom or in the restroom.”
Board member Jeanne Hoagland turned to Hudson and asked, “Do they get taught anywhere on how to balance a checkbook or about interest and savings?
“Yes, some but I agree with Kendall that in a number of areas, we’re going to have to be more deliberate about teaching those basics,” said Hudson.
Hudson added she is considering a revision to their curriculum.
“I wonder if those not going on to college really need to take, for example, algebra II but they will need other skills if they are going to be say, an electrician, farmer or mechanic.
“I think we’ll see a day when a good diesel mechanic will earn more a year than most doctors; they’re in such high demand,” added board member Deland Prough.
Board secretary, David Bruce said, “I remember back when Jenise Burch was teaching here, the week before prom she had everyone go through an etiquette course she taught. A lot of what she taught I still use to this day.”
It was clear everyone was careful not to criticize parents for failing to teach these basics but as Hoagland put it, “Not everyone eats together like they did years ago or goes to formal events but nearly everyone, especially in the areas of personal finance or relating to others at say work, will need to know what Kendall calls ‘soft skills.’”
Ogburn said his building’s enrollment is down one at 129 but is expecting to gain two or three students more by March.
His biggest physical needs he termed facility safety.
“This includes replacing the outer doors which we are in the middle of doing right now and installing cameras, an updated intercom system and phones in each room,” said Ogburn.
The elementary principal said he wanted a system whereby people would have to buzzed-in to be admitted. They could be seen on a camera in the office and have a two-way conversation between the office and those at the door.
“I kind of want what you have here in the high school,” said Ogburn. “Our intercom barely functions and we don’t have phones in every room so teachers can’t send a student and then call the other teacher to expect that student.”
Hudson, who reported an enrollment of 109, having lost three students in the last month, highlighted four of the 23 areas she identified as needs.
In line with her desire to replace the second algebra course with what she called “career/technical math” she also wants to follow the advice of the agriculture teacher and restructure that program.
“Since we have so many who leave eighth-hour for sports or club events I’m going to try to make eighth-hour a study skills class for every student,” said Hudson. “Right now, the calculus course is held eighth-hour and it’s really hard to miss that very often.”
Turning to the roof leak problem, Hudson described one proposed fix which would involve installing a metal pitched roof over the area so water cannot accumulate. Board members were intrigued with the proposal but asked for further bids.
“This building is so not safe,” said Hudson turning to safety issues.
She would like to enclose and attach all out-buildings to reduce the number of entry points.
“And as for the front desk where the school secretary is; Donna is a sitting duck,” said Hudson. “We’ve got to enclose that area and have it so she can slide things in and out and have better camera coverage to see what’s going on.”
The actual CSIP and building plans are to be reviewed and formally adopted at a strategic planning meeting in April.
Last month, Superintendent Charles Naas, reported on the electrical and mechanical sides of the project to provide air conditioning in the high school gym.
He reviewed a proposal by Greg Gladfelter of Gladfelter Engineering Services out of Grandview to install two 12.5 ton units to provide heat and air conditioning for the gym, venting in the air through the upper windows with the return air being located halfway up, under the bleachers.
The board authorized Naas to enter into a contract with Gladfelter to produce drawings and specifications.
On the electrical side, the board authorized Naas to speak with Kansas City Power and Light about installing three-phase power and whether the utility will absorb some of the related costs.
The board reviewed the performance of each principal and approved offering a contract to Ogburn and Hudson for the coming school year.
Showing off the latest handiwork by Mr. Gray and his applied science class, Hudson passed about a small red plastic knight helmet and a fairly flat charm which said “NEVC Knights” on one side and 2018 on the other.
“They were made using our own 3-D printer,” said Hudson. “It took a number of tries but they’ve got it and we’re thinking of having that class make a bunch of them to use as incentives for students to make their reading goals.”
Board member Mike Newman was unable to attend while the final seat remains open but will be filled after the election on April 3.