The Puxico School Board heard a technology update and set a tax rate hearing at its July meeting.
Technology Director Don McRoy delivered a report to the board updating the status of various technology projects.
McRoy started with the elementary school, stating that the computers in the elementary lab have been replaced. A new printer has also been installed. All new computers are equipped with Windows 10 Pro. The aging projector in the elementary lab has been replaced with a 65 inch TV monitor.
The existing computers in the elementary lab were moved to the high school lab to replace aging computers that could not be updated to Windows 10 Pro. Nearly all computers on campus now run Windows 10 Pro. McRoy said there are a few computers still running Windows 7, but they would be replaced during the summer 2020 upgrades.
McRoy informed the board that the junior high computer lab has been replaced with a Chromebook cart. A cart was installed last year and the lab usage dropped. McRoy explained that the teachers favored the Chromebooks and they are more cost effective. Furthermore the 26 computers in the small room that was the former lab caused quite a bit of heat buildup and was uncomfortable. Also, students had to pass through the library to reach the lab and this caused disruptions to classes. McRoy stated that now with two Chromebook carts the technology use would increase.
McRoy also explained a new piece of technology to the district. Two Swivi C3’s were purchased. This device allows for teacher observations. New teachers can record themselves in the classroom to assist with career development. During class the teacher wears a device that hangs around the neck. This device allows an IPhone sitting on the SwiviC3 to track the teacher around the room. McRoy said this would be demonstrated at a later school board meeting.
McRoy concluded his report saying five new cameras have been installed in locations to improve safety. A total of 121 cameras are now located around campus. McRoy thanked the board for allowing the technology upgrades.
The board set a tax rate hearing for August 22 at 6:45 p.m. The regular August meeting will be held following the tax rate hearing.
Superintendent Cindy Crabb presented a program evaluation report to the board. The report stated that the district ended the school year on a balanced budget and is currently operating on a balanced budget.
Crabb stated they would continue to monitor student achievement and success. Any necessary adjustments to address deficiencies will be made. The primary focus will be to examine salary schedules and benefit options to recruit and retain quality staff. The current year’s budget will be closely monitored and adjusted as necessary. The academic needs of the students will also be examined compared to recurring costs for programs and services.
Efficiency efforts were noted in reducing energy usage and adjustments have been made to accommodate changes in federal programs and new DESE requirements. The primary concern remains the uncertainty of state and federal funding sources and commitments.
Crabb presented the board with a copy of the criteria used to determine eligibility for free and reduced meals. The criteria is set by the state and the school has no say on the criteria.
The board appointed Crabb its authorized representative and federal and state program director for the 2019-20 school year.
Executive Session
The board approved several extra duty assignments which were:
• John Snider as assistant high school baseball coach
• Laura Stroud as high school girls basketball assistant coach
• Karen Haynes as junior high girls assistant basketball coach
• Jessica Bridges as the high school girls cheerleading sponsor and Renaissance Place/evaluate assistant
• Tammy Thompson as the MSIP/CSIP coordinator
• Tammy Hancock as high school volleyball assistant coach
The board accepted the resignation of junior high assistant baseball coach Matthew Jackson.
The prior years of teaching experience at a private school was accepted by the board for Dr. Nathan Wills. The board made one hire, that of Brandy Sifford as a custodian.