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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 20, 2014)
schools Vernonia School Board Report At the February 13, 2014 School Board Meeting: Superintendent Cox Resigning-Board Chair Bill Langmaid told the Board that Superintendent Ken Cox’s current contract expires on June 30, 2014 and that Cox has informed him that he is not interested in renewing the contract. The School Board voted to accepted Cox’s resignation. The School Board approved opening an internal search for a replacement starting February 17 th and ending February 24 th. The Board approved a Qualities and Qualifications Draft for the Replacement Superintendent. As part of the replacement process the School Board is requesting community input on the qualities and qualifications they would like in a Superintendent. Community members are asked to send their input by February 20th to Barb Carr at the District office at: bcarr@vernonia. k12.or.us. Input will also be taken at a School Town Hall meeting scheduled for February 25 th at 7:00 PM at the School Commons. School Board Chair Bill Langmaid, on behalf of the Board, thanked Cox for his service. Board Discusses Attendance Reporting-A member of the audience asked about a response from the District concerning the recent article in the Oregonian that was critical of the attendance at the Vernonia School District. Dr. Ken Cox stated that data that was reported needs to be verified. It was also noted that the District has changed its policy, which was just instituted this year, so they now contact parents after a student has missed 4 days, 8 days and 12 days; the original policy called for contact at 5, 10 and 15 days. Elementary School Principal Aaron Miller reported that the number of students at the Elementary level who have reached the 4-day contact this year is 51; 8-day contacts are 17 and 12-day contacts are 4. Miller also provided a report he had compiled concerning attendance at the kindergarten and first grade levels. From September through January attendance was at 92%; last year at the same time it was at 84%. Chronic absenteeism (missing 10% or more of school days) has dropped from 49% to 27%. Miller said he will have similar reports for grades 2-5 at the next monthly meeting. “Even though we have made some revisions to our plans for tracking and logistics of attendance, changes and revisions will be ongoing,” said Miller. “We are continuing to look at how we are recording and reporting and tracking the data.” Miller addressed the value of having staff contact parents of students who are absent. “We do get in touch with parents who say ‘They had a doctors appointment-I have a note.’ And we tell them we understand, but we still take the opportunity to communicate the importance of students being in school and ask if there is a way we can help.” Board Moves Forward With Sports Fields-The Board voted to authorize the Superintendent to spend up to $12,600 for design and engineering for sports fields at the new school campus. february20 2014 saved the School District thousands of dollars) and also repainted the goal posts. The Board presented Steward with a certificate of thanks. Board Approves Teacher Contract Extensions-The Board entered into Executive Session under ORS192.660(2)(i) “To review and evaluate the performance of the chief executive officer or any other public officer, employee or staff member...” Upon returning to open session the Board voted to adopt Resolution 1314-02, renewing all current teacher contracts for the 2014-2015 and 2015- 2016 school years. Board Recognizes Eagle Scout- The Board heard a presentation from Bridger Steward about his Eagle Scout Project which was recently accepted by the Boy Scouts of America. Steward told the Board that, for his project, he organized a work party which installed flow through vents at the current football stadium (which Board Reviews Readiness Assessment- Aaron Miller presented the Board with a report that shows statistics for Kindergarten Readiness which Gated Driveway, Pond, No Flooding $135,000 OBO Owner carry contract 503-319-6990 Board Set Limits for Interdistrict Transfers-The Board voted to set the limits for Interdistrict Transfers, a requirement of HB 3681, to fifteen students. Board Approves Numerous Policy Updates-The Board voted to approve twenty-one policy updates. Vernonia School District Volunteer of the Month January 2014 Allison McLeod January’s Volunteer of the Month is Allison McLeod. Allison volun- teers in Mrs. Eagleson’s K/1 blended class almost every day of the week. She helps with whatever tasks or needs the teacher may have. You can also find Allison helping out with school field trips, Run For The Arts, Field Day, and wherever else help is needed. In addition to volunteering at our school, Allison is also our local Booster Club President. She puts in countless hours for the club, which in turn, allows our youth to participate in sports at a young age. The club also provides scholarships to those kids that need financial assistance to participate in sports. Not only do our students, teachers and district benefit greatly from Allison’s volunteer time, but our community benefits as well. If you see Allison around, be sure to tell her thank you for all of her hard work and commit- ment to our youth! Thank You, Allsion!! VERNONIA 10 Buildable Acres For Sale Bordering Vernonia City Limits City Sewer & Water Available tracks students who are just beginning schooling in the Vernonia system. The report shows that Vernonia kindergarten students meet the state average in Self Regulation, Interpersonal Skills and Numbers & Operations but were below average in Letter Names and Letter Sounds. Miller suggested that the School District work with local pre- school programs to coordinate efforts. Board Approves Budget Calendar- The School Board voted to approve the 2014-15 Budget Calendar which calls for the Budget Committee to meet on May 8 and 22 and for the Board to hold a Public Hearing and Adopt a budget on June 12. Bridger Steward received a certificate of thanks from School Board Chair Bill Langmaid. Board Considers Green Globes Certification-Superintendent Ken Cox shared a proposal for the Board’s consideration for the District to apply for certification for Green Globes, a green building design verification process favored by the timber industry. Cox told the Board that the cost of the application is approximately $13,500 and that he has had offers for assistance with those fees. Cox told the Board he thinks the School District would receive donations if they have this certification. Cox informed the Board that the District is still expecting LEEDS Certification. The Board made no decision. 13 BE PREPARED FOR WINTER • chains • antifreeze • winter tires mounted & balanced • wipers • generators • kerosene • flashlights • boots • batteries • lamp oil • gas cans • candles • propane Family owned & operated for over 40 years 834 Bridge St., Vernonia (503) 429-6364 E C I V SER PAIR & RE Warranty on all parts and labor Now offering 2 and 4 wheel alignments 58605 NEHALEM HWY. S. Next to Storage, Too 503/429/7972