The board meeting this evening only last forty-eight minutes and only six people were in the audience. All in attendance at the meeting were employees of the district or board members. The following are the highlights from my point of view:
1) Superintendent's Report - Mr. Olney talked about a number of things, but two items stood out in my mind. First, he talked about the new Common Core State Standards and commended the K-12 teaching staff for the effort we have put into understanding and implementing these updated standards. Second, he mentioned that new pads will be installed in the gym early in December.
2) Mary Wilhem - presented information on WASC and test score data. She also spoke of the transition to the Common Core and the new Smarter Balance test which will replace the old testing system. The new tests will be administered through the use of computers. (No more filling in bubbles on an answer sheet!) Wilhelm also explained that the next WASC accreditation visit will be in 2015 and she discussed the self-study process which the district will engage in over the next couple years.
3) Alan Tsubota - talked about science camp fundraising efforts. A total of approximately twenty-two students plan to go to camp and the cost per student is $400. Tsubota stated that about half the money needed to send the sixth graders to camp has been raised as a result of donations and various fundraisers.
4) ASB Cards - Thirty-eight elementary students were given ASB cards as a reward for good test scores. The Trona High School Athletic Club will be paid $950 as reimbursement for the cost of the cards. Since this year the state is transitioning to a new testing system there will be no tests given to elementary students this spring and so a different criteria will be used to decide who gets free ASB cards next year.
5) The board awarded the superintendent an off-schedule ten percent raise retroactive to July 1st. It is in effect for this year only and will be re-negotiated next year. Board president Garrison explained that Mr. Olney did not request the raise. However, after completing an evaluation of the superintendent the board unanimously agreed that his job performance has been sufficiently outstanding as to warrant a ten percent raise. So, in recognition of his contributions to the district, the board granted the unsolicited raise.
Next Regular Board Meeting: December 12, 2013