The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by: Shirley Linder, Quill Editor
The Southern School board has set high school graduation for Sunday, May 26, 2002, at 5:00 p.m. with Junior High promotion on Tuesday, May 28th at 7:00 p.m.
The discovery committee represented by Bill Steck, John Lafary, Bryan Heap and Karen Jack reported to the board on their consolidation talks with other schools.
The Finance Study with the schools to the south (La Harpe, Northwest, Colchester, and Roseville) will be ready around mid February.
The committee asked if it would be all right to meet with Yorkwood, as they didn't want to leave any stone unturned before a decision is made. The board agreed it would be good to talk with them and see if there is any interest.
Karen Jack said she would like to have the board members hear Calvin Jackson, who was a former superintendent, during a consolidation of 3 or 4 schools. The board directed Mr. Barber to contact him and see if he would be available for a meeting which might be open to the public.
Superintendent Barber said they had gone over the surveys, but only had time to tabulate the first question which was, consolidation, tax increase, or cut curriculum and teachers. The board was disappointed in the low return of surveys, but of those returned 71% were in favor of consolidation.
The board approved the girls softball budget in an amount not to exceed $5,076.
Approval was given to replace the entrance doors by the parking lot, by the gym and also the door to Mr. Buss's office.
Mr. Buss reported the Distance Learning Lab is done and one student is presently using it. The room is also being used 3 periods a day as a classroom.
The board approved Natalie McGrew writing a grant for the remaining 25% of the reconstruction to the school land lab, such as the wetland restoration area and the pond.
Mr. Schar was given approval for the 8th grade basketball boys to stay over night should they earn a trip to the state basketball finals. The first game would be at 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 9 at Fieldcrest East 45 miles north of Bloomiington, which is a 3 hour drive.
Following an executive session the board:
All board members were present. The next board meeting will be held on Monday, February 25th, at 7:00 p.m.