The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The La Harpe School Board held a regular meeting on July 17, 2012 in the district library. The following board members were present: Pres. Cindy Wear, Nate Butler, Pam Campbell, Mark Irish and Darren Spangler.
The board discussed the demolition of the 1928 building, offering 1928 building bricks and 1958 gym floor pieces to the public at the Bus Barn lot on Friday, July 27th from 8-noon, and opening the 1928 time capsule during Summerfest.
The board, Dr. Campbell, Huff Architectural, and Brown Excavating have all taken steps to ensure the demolition debris is disposed of according to applicable code.
The board reviewed progress of the new gymnasium floor installation and discussed appointing a committee to research a new logo design for the La Harpe Eagles.
The board discussed maintenance grant projects such as replacing an overhead door on the Johnson Building, resurfacing the parking lots, and work on the HVAC controls for the 1998 addition.
Supt. Campbell gave updates on recent legislation, training on the new Ed Reform evaluation systems for teachers and principals, and information on upcoming superintendent meetings.
The board discussed options for the upcoming superintendent search prior to Dr. Campbell's retirement in July 2013.
Principal McKeown reported a decrease in the Pre-K grant for this year. The district will have to absorb more of the cost of this program in the future.
McKeown has completed much of the Ed Reform training for administrators related to new teacher evaluation changes.
The teacher evaluation categories and process will be revamped in the coming months to reflect new mandates.
Positive Behavior Intervention staff training was held this summer along with welcoming our six new teachers and new counselor.
The following motto will be a focus for the coming year: "SOAR with the Eagles". SOAR stands for Safety, Organization, Attitude, and Respect, four key components to success.
Board members also shared changes they would like to see in this year of transition for the District, including many ideas to increase the connection between the board and teachers.
In addition to the approval of the minutes, financial report, and payment of bills, the board approved the employment of Kristen Juarez as elementary teacher, maintained the current book fees and raised daily student lunch prices by 10 cents due to increases in food costs and changes in menu requirements.
The board set the FY 2013 Budget Hearing date for Sept. 18, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in the School Library, approved the District Internet Use and Wellness Policies, recent PRESS policy updates, and the student and faculty handbooks for school year 2012-13.
The board approved the purchase of a school van with trade in of the old school van.
The board reviewed and kept sealed closed meeting minutes from the past 6 months, and approved the deletion of closed meeting recordings 18 months and older.
The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be held on August 21, 2012.
To view agendas, news releases and approved minutes, please visit the school board section of the La Harpe Eagles website at www.laharpeeagles.org