BURTON SCHOOL BOARD EXTENDS STAFF CONTRACTS
The Burton School Board extended the contracts of several staff members at its meeting Monday night.
After reconvening from executive session, the board announced it would give contract extensions to Athletic Director Jason Hodde, High School and Elementary Principals Matthew Wamble and Melinda Fuchs, Student Services Director James Little, and Special Services Cooperative Director Kristi Hess.
The contracts of Hodde, Wamble, and Fuchs were all extended through 2021, while Little and Hess were extended through 2020.
The board also discussed several safety and security measures in executive session. Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy said a lot of the things being considered for the district would be costly, and would not be able to be included in the current budget set.
Dr. Kennedy said the district thought it was important to put in security cameras outside on the bus ramp and by student parking, which will also scan by the baseball field. She said there are currently no cameras in front of the elementary and junior high schools, and that these are some of the priority areas for camera placement.
The board also approved adding a compensation policy for leave and absence, and setting up a sick leave pool where employees can voluntarily donate sick days. Dr. Kennedy said she will send out a memo to all staff members letting them know what criteria need to be met in order to be eligible to receive days. Board President Demetrius Colvin said he is a “firm believer of helping those that are in need”.
During Fuch’s monthly report, she said teachers have been working hard to strengthen their lesson plans to better meet student needs. She said the school is moving with a different plan with assessing student performance, going back to assessments every six weeks.
Wamble stated in his report that he is continuing to look at new class offerings for junior high and high school students. He said he is looking at extra electives for junior high, and more CTE and advanced courses for high school.
Dr. Kennedy mentioned in her report that the Boys and Girls Club is looking for a place in the school district to call its own, as it has experienced a lot of growth. She said they are exploring different options, such as getting donations for a standalone building, or using a site in the community.
Dr. Kennedy also said she is trying to set up a time to talk with GeoSouthern, to potentially set up a better partnership with them in order to make use of donations, funding, and other support available.
The board also approved the Washington County Appraisal District audit, as well as a joint election agreement with Blinn College. The audit presented came in $39,275 under budget, with no findings.