School sorts out make-up schedule

The Gallatin R-5 Board of Education scheduled new snow days during its regular meeting in February. Ten snow days must be made up. Two snow days, Jan 15 and Feb. 19, have already been made up.

The remaining eight snow days will be made up on April 16 and 17 and May 17-18-21-22-23-24. School will dismiss at 1 on May 24. May 25 is now a teacher’s inservice day.

The board discussed the promotion, acceleration and retention of students, and passed a reading retention policy after a third reading.

Students will normally progress annually from grade to grade. Retention may be considered when, in the judgment of the professional staff, it is in the best educational interest of the students involved.

State law requires that no student shall be promoted to a higher grade level unless that student has a reading ability level at or above one grade level below the student’s grade level, except that the law does not apply to students receiving special education services under state law. The district added that teachers may recommend that the child has appropriate reading skills to perform adequately at the next grade level.

Capable students may advance, but only after thorough discussion with the student’s guidance counselor, and with the joint approval of the parents/guardians, the principal and the superintendent of schools.

The board reviewed the preliminary budget due in June. The district’s budget reflects that of the state with rising expenditure and declining revenues.

Bills in the amount of $383,906 were approved for payment.

The ledger report of year to date expenditures was reviewed. Investments range from 6.3 to 5.7. The district has 2.3 million invested, the amount reflects tax and state money received thus far to date. The figure is expected to be reduced as bills and payroll are deducted.

During old business, the board heard that year eight bonds had been paid off. The district was able to save $140,000 by paying off 5.6 percent bonds with 4.6 percent borrowed DNR money.

The board approved bus specifications. They will compare information about the bus engines before proceeding with the purchase of a new one.

The 2001-2002 calendar was presented and approved. School will begin in August 22 and end May 22. Six snow days were built into the calendar and a seventh may be added.

Contracts were extended to High School Principal James Burrell and Elementary Principal Martin Sweatman.

The copy machine contract is due in July.

Fire preventative devices in both kitchens have been installed and will be hooked up shortly. The fire preventive devices detect smoke and heat and shut off electricity and gas to the kitchens.