JACKSON CENTER — The Jackson Center Board of Education met Monday, Sept. 21, and planned things regarding the upcoming building project.
In attendance were Dan and John Freytag and Larry Ludlow from Freytag and Associates. The architectural firm provided the board an update of progress on the new school building including on-going meetings with staff for input on functional areas of the building and an update on the layout of the overall grounds. The project is nearing the end of the schematic design phase as the architect and construction manager continue work on value engineering to meet budget expectations.
A discussion occurred about the proposed school calendars for the next two school years. The calendars are being developed earlier than usual in order to accommodate the build schedule of the building project. In summary, the 2016-2017 school year will end a little early to allow a longer summer and the 2017-2018 school year will start a little later than usual. No action was taken.
The board accepted recommendations for permanent appropriations for fiscal year 2016. Appropriations were increased considerably as a result of adding new funds from which the building project expenses will be paid as well as new debt service.
In other business:
The board approved updates of the board policy manual per OSBA and administrative recommendations to college credit plus, admission of exchange students and released time for religious instructions.
The board approved the following contracts:
• Garrett Serr, freshman boys basketball
• Lydia Rinehart, girls junior varsity basketball coach
• Taylor Nehls, varsity assistant girls basketball coach
• Jerry Davis, 8th grade girls basketball
• Rhonda Burch, 7th grade girls basketball
It was reported to the board that students continue to excel at various levels in state testing. On the yearly OGT test administered at the sophomore level, Jackson Center was the only area school to score 100 percent on four of the five subject areas and a 97 percent on the other. As well, recently published results of last year’s ACT scores show Jackson Center students were above the state average while results of the 3rd Grade OAA Reading reflected 91 percent of Jackson Center students passed (county Average 91 percent) while 71 percent passed at an Advanced Level. (County Average 56 percent).
The next board meeting is Monday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.
