JACKSON CENTER — The Jackson Center Board of Education met Monday night and authorized the purchasing agent to spend up to $20,000 for upgrades to the high school computer lab.

This is a part of the district’s habit of replacing computers per schedule, but it is also a need in the short term due to a larger than normal 6th grade class using the lab beginning in the 2nd semester and there not being enough computers to meet that need.

Discussion occurred about the potential of a 1 to 1 computer strategy for a majority of students. Plans to ensure staff development relative to software and technology, as well as technology and equipment maintenance plans are being discussed and developed.

The maintenance area is evaluating a couple other pieces of existing equipment for replacement. A new scrubber may become necessary, as the used one purchased five years ago now has constant repair needs. The district is also studying the need for an upgrade to grounds maintenance equipment, particularly during the winter.

The Principals have worked to breakdown state information on test scores but will wait for the more formal report due in early December to confirm these results.

High School Principal Jeff Reese is working in conjunction with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in creating a program and speaker to address the growing issue of heroin use and addiction.

Beginning in December, juniors and seniors who meet specific academic requirements will be eligible to leave school during an open lunch period two times per month. Each student will require a parent signature detailing their level of approval. E.g.; No participation; Agree they can leave and stay in town; Agree their student can drive to lunch etc…

Three FFA members, Madilyn Platfoot, Cole Todd and Colton Rose, assisted by their advisor, Lindsey Whetstone, provided the board an overview of their recent trip to the FFA National Convention. The convention included many seeing recent Jackson Center graduate, Brandon Ware, receiving the prestigious American Degree Award recognizing his work and service hours.

Also in attendance were Larry Ludlow and Dan and John Freytag of Freytag and Associates. They provided the board a progress update on the new building as they move toward finalizing the Design Development Stage.

Freytag is working to put together information on the building project for public consumption in the near future. They plan on cleaning up existing, working documents and potentially provide them for the public to see at a future event, such as parent-teacher conferences.

The next board meeting is set for Monday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.