Dexter Board of Education gifts right of way for trail project

The Dexter School Board will donate a portion of its right of way to the city of Dexter for phase three of trail expansion operations. The matter was discussed during the Tuesday, Feb. 20, board of education meeting, along with a leadership academy for teachers and recent calls for service by school resource officers.

After a few questions from board member Aaron Mathis concerning liabilities and maintenance, the donation motion was approved. City Administrator David Wyman addressed the board and distributed aerial photos of the proposed phase three trail for further discussion.

Educators from Central, Southwest, T.S. Hill and Dexter High School are expected to participate in the Aspiring Leadership Academy for the 2024-25 school year, following discussion by the board.

The program features skills for advancement for current and future employees interested in administration. Teachers may apply starting May 1, with selections June 15.

The teacher will be provided a substitute teacher one Wednesday per month during the school year. On the selected Wednesday, the teacher will gain hands-on experience in daily administration activities.

During summer school, the selected teacher will intern as principal daily.

Board members also thanked school resource officers Dwain Forshee and Joshua Benton for their service during a report on school bus stop arm violations and calls for service.

The SROs reported 27 school bus stop arm violations and 153 calls for service: at DHS, 62; T.S. Hill, 29; Central, 38; and Southwest, 24.

The officers reported 49 total written reports, which were for: DHS high school, 25; T.S. Hill, 8; Central, 15; and Southwest, 1.

In other business, the board:

• Discussed a no tax-rate increase bond measure. Superintendent Amy James shared concerns with the board about how the local Tyson plant closing could impact the current bond refunding and debt analysis by lenders L.J. Hart Company.

• Approved summer dead periods for MSHSAA activities.

• Approved therapy contract rates at $65 per hour for the 2024-25 school year.

• Discussed an alternative school restructuring scheduling.

• Learned that FCLA did well at state competition.

• Southwest Principal Jacinda Dewitt reported success in the Paw Pals “sharing love for others” Valentine card and picture exchange program with nursing homes in Dexter and Bloomfield. .

• Learned pre-kindergarten screenings will take place March 21-22.

• Heard from T.S. Hill Assistant Principal Nancy Langley that the “Three Musketeers” play was received well, and that track uniforms were ordered to accommodate increased participation from the sixth grade.

• Discussed the state’s proposal to raise the SAT requirements from 6375 to 7145.

Board members Bonnie Howard and Jon Thompson were absent.