Gallatin R-5 Board of Education members heard a report on Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) report, the federal portion of the No Child Left Behind Act, and on the Annual Performance Report (APR), and also the results of the state’s standardized MAP testing for 2006-2007 during the recent November meeting.
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Gallatin achieved all APR goals and will attend a “distinction in performance” awards banquet in Maryville.
Gallatin R-5 received a couple of ‘dings,’ according to Superintendent Jim Ruse, in that the school did not make the desired goal for Individualized Education Program (IEP) students in communication arts. Emphasis and concentration will be applied to that area, particularly in the seventh grade.
“The students did very well on both tests,” said Mr. Ruse. “We achieved 14 out of 14 of the goals for ARP, which is the test used for accreditation, and that’s what we’re striving to do. I’m quite pleased with that result.”
Mr. Ruse presented a comprehensive budget for 07-08, which explained the budget report turned into the state in June. He provided a letter to the board regarding the district’s financial condition at that time.
In effect, the letter states that the school’s financial condition caused by the new state formula (SB 287) can’t be ignored and that schools must work together to rectify the situation. He made four major suggestions:
1.That the school needs to continue to support the lawsuit before the Supreme Court to require equitable distribution of school funds;
2. To support MSTA or any legislature that helps north Missouri rural schools;
3. Join the Missouri Association of Rural Educators (MARE) and other small school advocates to create more support for rural school’s economic future;
4. Counter legislative options that hurt rural school districts.
The board voted unanimously to continue to appeal the CEE lawsuit seeking equitable funding in Missouri’s school system. The districts are appealing a judge’s decision to uphold the state’s present method of disbursing money to schools, and his statement that the disbursement of state money is not a social/economic issue.
The initial cost for research regarding the lawsuit is done and testimony in the case has already been heard. The appeal will now go to the Missouri Supreme Court.
Board filing dates were set for regular school hours, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 18 to Jan. 22.
Several newer staff members presented an updated mission statement to the board. The last mission statement was made by staff in the 90s. The board took the issue under advisement and was asked to adopt it at their next meeting.
Additional gym rails were added to each section of the bleachers.
Sandra Alden, who serves as a region officer with MSBA, reported on several workshops and encouraged board members to attend.
Bills totalling in the amount of $268,148 were approved for payment. The school had 1.7 million invested at rates 5.2% to 5.4%.
Next school board meeting is Wednesday, Dec. 12. All R-5 board members were present at the Nov. 14 meeting.
The audit report was presented and approved at the board’s regular meeting held on Oct. 18. The school received a good audit report from Kevin Hudson of Trenton.
Mr. Ruse reported that enrollment was at an all time high with 647 students in attendance on Oct. 10. That number has dropped, as it typically does, but does still remain around 640.
Actual construction cost for the greenhouse will be $34,000 to buy it and the school has to put it up.
The CEE lawsuit was discussed. The board was notified that the school had $4,200 invested in the lawsuit thus far. The issue was tabled until the November meeting due to the fact that information about the appeal was going to be discussed by members of CEE during a Missouri State Board Association meeting on Oct. 26.
During new business, the board heard a food inspection report. Both schools were recently inspected with only a few “touch up” items posted in the high school and elementary kitchens.
Activity buses will run with interior lights on in the back of the buses for security and supervisory purposes. Cameras will also be on.
Mr. Ruse reported on a proposed MSTA salary schedule.
New MSBA updates from the past legislative year were reviewed.
Bills totalling in the amount of $260,919 were approved for payment. The school has $1.7 million invested at a rate of 5.2% to 5.4%.
Board policies are on the school’s internet website at www.gallatin.k12.mo.us.