North Daviess approved laptops for some elementary classes [Washington Times-Herald, Ind.]

Jun. 22--ELNORA -- The North Daviess School Board approved their textbook rental and fees rates for the 2010-2011 school year. "Math is basically a continued use, so instead of the 25 percent rental we usually charge, it goes down to 15 percent rental," Superintendent Robert Bell said. Bell proposed moving the laptop usage to 24/7 in the third and fourth grades and get new HP laptops for grades five and six. "This would be a similar model to what we're doing in the junior-senior high school," Bell said referring to the living textbook model. Third and fourth grade rental fees include $20 rental for the older laptops, while the fifth and sixth grade rental fees include $32.41 rental for the new HPs. "Yes, it costs our Capital Project money," Bell said. "But in the long run, the hardware part of the budget is going to be a lot less." Board member Bud Woodruff voiced concerns about the elementary students only having laptops. The scenario he mentioned included a student whose parent was trying to help, but didn't have the textbook to refer to or Internet access. But Bell assured the board all the students would still have textbooks. The laptops would just be in addition to those books. "We're taking nothing away; we're just getting," he said. The board approved the living textbooks for grades three through six, as well as the textbook rental and fees for the elementary. In other business ISTEP Elementary school principal Jodi Berry gave the board a brief report on the ISTEP results. She said there was "some excellent growth when you compare spring (results) to spring (results)." She mentioned the sixth grade ranked first in the area in math and second in the area in English language arts. She also pointed out one student in the third grade scored perfect in math, which is the third time that's ever happened since the school consolidation in 2002. Also setting a school record was 87 percent of students passed the writing rubric, beating the previous school record by 10 percentage points. In addition to that, 63 percent scored six out of six on the writing rubric. Berry was pleased with the test results. Rainy Day Fund Transfer Monies from the Transportation Fund and Capital Projects Fund was approved for transfer to the Rainy Day Fund. The amount transferred was $150,000 from each fund. "It's money they didn't use from last year," Bell said. ECA Appointments Extracurricular appointments were made for next school year. Board President Darin Holder mentioned to the board that depending on state revenue, tough decisions might have to be made in the future. "ECA is just that, extracurricular. I think sometimes we need to remind people that's what they are," he said. Personnel Bridget Lawyer, Tammy Byrer, Justin Wilson and Gary Stuckey were approved as certified Jump Start teachers. Monica Fryska was approved for the junior high science teacher position, being the replacement for Greg Davis. "Monica came highly recommended to us from where she did her student teaching at Brown County High School," Bell said. Adam Price was approved as a part-time language arts teacher. Price taught during Debbie Thomas' maternity leave and was a substitute teacher last semester. Vendor Change The board approved Bell to make the 401(a) and VEBA changes from MetLife and Security Benefit to MidAmerica, pending the CTA approves the action as well. Both entities are required to approve the change before it can take effect. "There's no advantage for us. The advantage is for the staff," Bell said. "It looks like a win-win for the teachers." Dairy and Bakery Bids The board approved the continued purchase of dairy products from Prairie Farms and baked products from Interstate Brands Breakfast and Lunch Prices Breakfast and lunch prices were approved to remain the same. They are as follows: elementary breakfast--$1.25; elementary lunch--$1.80; junior-senior breakfast--$1.25; junior-senior lunch--$1.90; adult breakfast--$1.60; adult lunch--$2.50. Athletic Handbook A draft of the new athletic handbook was distributed to the board members. Members will read it, and a vote will be made next meeting. The handbook contains a few changes. One change introduces fan t-shirts. Students will have the opportunity to purchase a fan t-shirt, which, when worn, serves as a free pass into sporting events. Holder pointed out that athletics is not supported by the general fund. He said the support of the sporting teams is essential for the continuation of the programs. Brent Dalrymple, athletic director, told the board he's been working with the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation to raise funds. He said through various advertisement endeavors stemming from the DCEDC partnership, the department has done much better financially in the last couple of years. Registration Registration will be Aug. 3 from noon to 7 p.m., Aug. 4 from noon to 7 p.m. and Aug. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Next Meeting The tentative date for next month's meeting is July 12.

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