The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The La Harpe School Board enjoyed a delicious appreciation dinner during their meeting Monday night, November 23, 2009, in the school district library honoring the board members' commitment to the school district and La Harpe community.
These dedicated La Harpe school board members are President Cindy Wear, Vice President Dan Horton, Mark Irish, Pam Campbell, Rex Huston, Deanna Stambaugh, and Darren Spangler.
We are grateful to each members for their personal character, conscientious efforts and determination to faithfully serve the families of La Harpe and district in their vital role on the school board.
Board members in attendance at the November meeting were Rex Huston, Mark Irish, Pam Campbell, Deanna Stambaugh, Cindy Wear, and Darren Spangler.
Also present were Superintendent Jo Campbell, Principal Lila McKeown, and Secretary Jeanne Clayton.
Principal McKeown commended elementary parents for the very high attendance at Parent/Teacher Conferences in October, reported the Hancock County Health Department's efficiency at the mass H1N1 immunization clinic held at the school October 27, with a second immunization clinic scheduled for December 7.
McKeown reported student involvement in activities such as Red Ribbon Week (which focuses on staying drug-free), FFA and chorus presentations by Illini West High School students. an Internet Safety workshop in Carthage, and the junior high Student Council's Hunger and Homeless Week, "Movie Night" which featured a story line with a character who became homeless for a time.
Over 1200 food items were collected during the food drive for the Christian Church's Community Food Pantry.
McKeown stated that La Harpe's School Report Card data has been posted on the website showing the district has met the Adequate Yearly Progress standards in all areas.
McKeown took a team of teachers to a series of valuable Response to Intervention workshops focusing on problem solving in the classroom.
Superintendent Campbell reported updates from the recent annual conference in the state's unclear plans regarding funding for schools. Many state legislative decisions must be made and school districts and other entities receiving regular finances from the state must plan and prepare for the possibility of a tight financial future.
With regard to the possible absence of state funding Supt. Campbell mentioned the success of the 1 cent county sales tax already in place in other counties as a funding source school building projects.
In addition to approving previous board minutes, the financial report and payment of bills, the school board approved Holly Willdrick as a substitute paraprofessional and Matt Miller as substitute bus driver, approved the district Risk Management Plan, and accepted an estimated 2010 tax levy with the hearing set for December 15, at 7:15 p.m.
Board members discussed the required surveying and abatement of lead paint and asbestos in the 1928 buildng-one of the first critical steps to be taken with regard to demolition.
The board also approved the deletion of closed session recordings made at least 18 months prior to the current meeting as per district policy 2:220.
Regularly scheduled LCSD #347 board meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month in the school library at 7:00 p.m.
We invite you to view agendas, news releases and approved minutes on the school board section of the La Harpe Eagles website at www.laharpeeagles.org.