Hamilton R-2 evaluates Parents as Teachers program; approves bullying/hazing policy

The Hamilton R-II Board of Education met on Wednesday, Oct. 19. All board members and administrators were present. Others present were Cindy Sypkens representing CTA and James Melton and Christian Dixon representing the Penney High Student Council.

The Penney High Student Council gave a report on student activities.

Jessi Green provided the board with the MSBA report.

An evaluation of the Parents as Teachers program was reported by Superintendent Troy Ford. Mrs. Westover had completed the evaluation. In terms of quality of service, Mrs. Westover rated the program a 5. In terms of the program’s ability to reach the amount of families in need, Mrs. Westover rated the program a 3.

Cindy Sypkens provided information to the board concerning the Veteran’s Assembly in November.

In old business the board discussed the storage sheds at the elementary school and the preschool. Both sheds are being built by students in the Vocational Agriculture department.

The board discussed new guttering that will be placed on the south addition of the high school. Bids will be into the district no later than Nov. 3.

In new business, the board approved the professional development budget for 2016-2017. The total amount approved was $28,320.

A new bullying and hazing policy was approved by the board. They also approved the discipline policy with the new bullying and hazing language included. All approved policies that now meet federal guidelines for dealing with bullying and hazing situations.

Highlights of the Superintendent’s report included discussion of the following:

* OPPA Report, latest numbers from August. Student lunch count is up 377 lunches compared to this time last year. Number of choices in all buildings was discussed as well as teacher specials.

* Nurse report from the month of September.

* District audit.

* Preschool enrollment and accreditation.

* Chrome books that were passed out to the staff and students.

* Test data and APR that will be released to the public after Nov. 8.

* Physical Hazard Survey completed by insurance company.

* The possibility of the City of Hamilton receiving fiber for internet services in the future.

Other actions taken by the board:

* Employed Shihomi Todd as para at the elementary school.

* Employed Tim Leader as bus driver for the district.

* Employed Monica Catron as a substitute nurse.

* Employed substitute teachers contingent upon a favorable background check.