BERNIE, Mo. -- It's about to get a little tougher for Bernie students to attend the district's annual Honors Banquet. Following a split vote by the Board of Education Monday night, students will now be required to carry an A- average during the first three quarters of the school year rather than the previous B+ average.
Students must now also have at least a 95 percent attendance record to be eligible for the special recognition.
The proposal came before the board in May, but was tabled until further data could be accumulated. Voting in favor of the change were Denny Riddle, Joyce Overby, Judy Zoll and Kenneth Walters. Opposing the measure were Board President David Blevins, Vice President Ronnie Owens and Member Rick Beaird.
Applying the former criteria, a total of 115 Bernie students between fourth and 12th grades qualified for this year's banquet.
"That number represented almost 31 percent of the student body," explained Bernie Superintendent Douglas Ruck in Monday night's proposal to the board.
Had the district applied the new criteria in 2012, that number would be reduced to 65 students or 17.5 percent of the student population. The newly established attendance criteria would have eliminated three students from attending.
"We will make exceptions to the attendance policy for special circumstances such as extended illnesses," said Elementary Principal Tommie Ellenburg.
The purpose for the proposed change, Ruck and Ellenburg both told the board, was that with nearly 31 percent of the students qualifying, the "honor" wasn't representing its intended purpose.
"This should really be an honor and something for which the students really strive to achieve," Ellenburg said. "With the current criteria, we feel that the students really don't have to work to their best potential to be included. We'd like to see the standard raised."
In opposition of the plan, Blevins said his concern was that those students who are not capable of maintaining an A- average might just "give up" and not work at succeeding if they know there is not a chance of selection to the Honors Banquet.
"When you look at over 30 percent of your students qualifying under the current criteria," asked Ruck, "is it really an honor to get there?"
In the end, the policy change passed by the 4-3 vote. The new criteria will be in place with the upcoming 2012-13 school year.
In other business, the board agreed to cover the final expenses for completion of the district's new concession stand on campus that has been constructed entirely from community donations. Nearly $22,000 was donated through various fundraising efforts in Bernie. The building is near completion with only $179.89 left in the fund.
"With all that has been donated to this project, I think it's only fair for the district to pitch in to complete the project," Ruck said.
It is estimated that $1,792 will still be needed to complete the stand. The board agreed to pay up to $2,500 to complete the project.
In routine program evaluations, the district's Federal Programs and Fiscal Management Program were reviewed and approved Monday night.
In regular session, the board also:
* approved of minor changes in the wording of employee attendance policies as stated in the Employee Handbook.
* reviewed and ap-proved fund transfers.
* received an overview from Ellenburg regarding the current summer school program. A total of 192 students are enrolled with a teaching staff of 13. (The numbers have nearly doubled from previous years due to the district including incoming kindergarten students in the mix and offering Credit Recovery for high school students.)
* reviewed the district's financial statement, paid bills and replenished petty cash.
* reviewed and approved budget amendments as presented by the superintendent.
In executive session, board members approved the appointment of Molly Hare to fill the position of Assistant High School Volleyball Coach.