The regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Rock Island-Milan School District was held Tuesday, April 9, 2002 in the Library at Rock Island High School. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.

Roll Call

Members Present: Ms. Elma "Mooch" Gay, Mr. Lance Chaney, Mr. Steve Clark, Mr. Bill Cleaver, Ms. Linda Dothard, Mr. Jim Gremanis, and Ms. Sue McDevitt

Member Absent: Ms. Jill North, Ms. Brianne Silas, and Ms. Krystall White

Staff Present: Dr. Dave Markward, Mr. Bruce Bufe, Dr. I.V. Foster, Jr., Ms. Kay Ingham, Mr. J. Jay Marino, Mr. Mike Oberhaus, Ms. Sue Reading, and Dr. Dawn Snyder

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Ms. Sue McDevitt and seconded by Mr. Jim Gremanis to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 26, 2002 as presented. All members present voting "Aye," the President declared the motion carried.

Mr. Clark received an e-mail from Rino DellaVedova regarding the Rocky Speech team who hosted the 2002 IHSA Sectional Group Interp and Drama Competition. Nine area schools competed in the Drama Competition and eight in the Group Interp Competition. This is the third straight year that the Rocky team has captured the Sectional Group Interp Championship and the second straight year for the Drama title.

Ms. Gay received a memorandum from IASB regarding the resolutions/amendments that need to be submitted this month. She also received e-mail from Kim Colson regarding the Regional Superintendents meeting, IASB Governing Committee meeting, and the Master Teacher Awards Banquet. She reminded Board members to let Kim know of their attendance to any or all of these events.

Ms. Dothard reported that she just returned from the NSBA National convention and will provide a written report to Board members at the next meeting. She spoke about a school in Monroe, GA who received a Magnet award for linking reading and math to the home. Computers are loaned to the students with parent assistance. In return, parents are required to give five hours of time to the school district in the classroom and helping other students to read. As a result of this program, test scores and overall achievement have improved. Ms. Dothard stated that she feels every board member should attend a national conference, as it is extremely worthwhile. She also shared that Dr. Jim Davis, former Assistant Superintendent, was a presenter at the conference, and she had the opportunity to speak with him.

Ms. McDevitt reminded everyone of the Night of 1000 Dreams this Friday, April 12, 2002. She also updated members on the Call to Action Committee dealing with the minority achievement gap in our school district. Sub-committees were formed at their last meeting to address the primary causes of the low achievement.

Report from Superintendent

Dr. Markward referred to a change in the personnel items and also asked to add an executive session after Item X to discuss pending litigation.

Mr. Jay Pienta reported on the Illinois State PTA Convention held April 26-28, 2002. Mr. Pienta referred to a newspaper article that was addressed at the last Board meeting. He stated that if any school board member has any questions regarding PTA, please call him. He stated that Grant and Hawthorne-Irving have PTOâs but are welcome to join the PTA in the future. PTOâs typically support their own school whereas PTAâs support all children as well as join state and national organizations. PTAâs may also submit resolutions to become state law.

Ms. Sandy Hovonick reported that last Thursday members from four schools attended a workshop at the IEA office and reviewed the book Difficult Conversations. When finished, each person will pass it along to at least six people. Bruce Bufe received a copy and will read then share with other administrators. They are hopeful to begin conversations to start to eliminate some of the difficult situations that we have had to go through.

Anne McNeany, 2813 ö 45^th Street, Rock Island, IL presented a petition for eliminating the District-wide Psychologist position. They would like the position reinstated for the 2002-03 school year. Ms. McNeany read the following information:

When the initial list of budget reductions became available, all of the positions, with the exception of the district-wide PPS position, could be identified by the individual or individuals affected. This gave people the opportunity to ask questions, and in the case of the junior high deans, to rally support. Sue Reading informed Maggie after 3:00 on that Friday of her position being terminated. Given the Board meeting was scheduled for the following Monday night, this hardly gave anyone time to overcome the shock, let alone respond in any meaningful manner. The next week was the start of our intercession and this is the first opportunity to really address you regarding this decision. With the PPS being such a large number of employees, there surely could be another way to make cuts.

With the district only having four credentialed school psychologists, you have cut 25% of this department. To be a School Psychologist, one must have an extended Masters degree, with a minimum of 60 hours, followed by a full-time internship for an entire school year. They are on the same pay scale as is a teacher, but have the training in assessment and diagnosis of children. It is this level of training that is required to utilized the assessment tools that are the standards for best practices. Those assessment tools are restricted and cannot be purchased by or given by anyone with less or different training. The National Association of School Psychologists encourages all school psychologists and their employers to assure that ethical standards are maintained in the use of assessment procedures and that such assessment techniques are used only by qualified personnel.

With a workload of this magnitude the remaining three psychologists will not be able to provide the high quality of services in meeting behavioral, emotional and developmental needs of our students that we have now. The quality and quantity of services will be extremely diminished. With the increase of students qualifying for Special Education, do you believe that eliminating this position will slow the increasing population of students in Special Education? With this rising number of students in Special Education, does your decision make any sense of cutting personnel who work directly with regular education and special education children, as well as the teachers?

A School Psychologist addresses interventions that target barriers to learning and teaching of ALL children. They give suggestions based on their extensive training to link mental health to learning and behaviors. They use different strategies to address individual student needs as well as programs that support students on the school and district levels. I know I am not alone on this. I have been provided with the much-needed support, when I was a new case manager. I remember discussions on specific behavior problems and ways to handle them within my classroom and also to provide strategies for regular education teachers. They have supplied me with behavior management plans. I have discussed interventions with the psychologists. There are numerous other ways the psychologists provide services within the schools. If their caseloads are increased because of the cut, then their role will be reduced to that of assessments with less availability for consultation for regular as well as special education students and teachers. How could this decision possibly be consistent with the district mission of Excellence Every Day?

Nina Selph, 1114 ö 15^th Avenue, Rock Island, IL addressed the Board in support of Maggie Hilmer. She has a nine-year old child attending Hawthorne-Irving Elementary School who is in fourth grade. Her daughter has had problems since second grade and Maggie Hilmer and Sheree Crawford have been very helpful. They have not only helped her daughter but her whole family as well as they cope with their daily challenges. Maggie and Sheree are a great team who are spread thin as it is. By reducing the PPS position, it cuts time with the children. Many children deserve to have their needs addressed by qualified health professionals.

Ms. Selph addressed the issue of Marcus Robinsonâs dismissal from Hawthorne-Irving Elementary School. Mr. Robinson is her daughterâs teacher, and she knows as a mother what he went through with her daughter. He had a classroom full of children who chose not to listen, preferred to do what they wanted to do and not follow directions of the teacher. She has worked at the school and has not seen the same support given to Mr. Robinson as the other teachers. He visits with his parents on a regular basis, had never been hard to contact, is more than happy to have parents sit in his class, and has always made himself available to parents and children.

Diane Roberts, 915 ö 14-1/2 Street, Rock Island, IL addressed the Board regarding Mr. Robinsonâs dismissal. She is part of Hawthorne-Irvingâs PTO, and feels that he got the bad end of the stick. Teachers and parents support him and feel he did not get the guidance needed in order to do his job properly before he was terminated. Ms. Roberts read copies of Mr. Robinsonâs performance evaluation from the 2000-2001 school year, indicating ranks of Satisfactory and Excellent. She asked who is responsible for his termination and rehiring? Dr. Markward stated that he could not comment on a specific employee in open session but explained the process used for every teacher. A building administrator would evaluate the individual, then make a recommendation to the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources on their continuance. The Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources makes a recommendation to the Superintendent who then makes a recommendation to the Board who has the final say when hiring and letting people go. Dr. Markward stated that the administration has suggested to Marcus to seek guidance from the Rock Island Education Association to pursue his complaint.

None.

It was recommended that the Board of Education add Item X. B. Executive Session to discuss pending litigation.

• Blanket Motion

It was moved by Ms. Linda Dothard, seconded by Ms. Sue McDevitt, and unanimously carried by a roll call vote that the following items be approved as a blanket motion.

VIII. A. That the Board of Education approve the Police Liaison Officer Agreement in the amount of $32,227.00.

VIII. B. That the Board of Education award a contract to Greenleaf Construction Co., Rock Island, IL, in the amount of $28,300.00 for kitchen alterations at Audubon Elementary School.

VIII. C.1. That the Board of Education award a contract to Eriksen Chevrolet, Inc., Milan, IL in the amount of $22,297.74 for a Head Start Van.

VIII. C.2. That the Board of Education award a contract to Eriksen Chevrolet, Inc., Milan, IL in the amount of $30,157.35 for a Food Service Van.

VIII. E. That the Board of Education authorize Bills for Payment dated March 29, 2002.

IX. A. That the Board of Education approve the contracts for the following paraprofessional employees:

Savon Ahlman, Hawthorne-Irving; Dee Anderson, Horace Man; Dallas Anderson, Ridgewood; Lori Angel, Grant; Silvia Arce, Eugene Field; Beth Ater, Eugene Field; Judy Awkerman, PPS; Janet Balluff, Longfellow; Cathy Barnes, Rock Island High School; Earnest Bea, Edison; Dolly Beaird, SKIP; Laura Belby, SKIP; Lisa Betty, Rock Island High School; Cindy Biscontine, Ridgewood; Teresa Bopes, Rock Island High School; Carol Border, PPS; Diane Bragg-Hunter, Edison; Bernice Brown, Hawthorne-Irving; Diana Bush, Horace Mann; Angela Byrd, Thurgood Marshall; Lorie Carlson, Earl Hanson; Connie Carter, Rock Island High School; Janene Collins, Lincoln; Roberto Coronado, Rock Island High School; Lisa Crandall, Audubon; Linda ruse, Lincoln; Amy Curtiss, Thomas Jefferson; Gail DeBarr, Eugene Field; Ranell Dennis, Ridgewood; Debra DePaepe, Denkmann; Elaine DeWitte, Earl Hanson; Gail Each, Denkmann; Lisa Faust, PPS; Beverly Findlay, Denkmann; Melody Gardner, Grant; Yolanda Gartner, Horace Mann; Richard Gay, Rock Island High School; Rochelle Golden, Hawthorne-Irving; Lisa Gordon, SKIP; Shirley Gunsolley, PPS; Sherry Hall, Lincoln; Kathy Hall, Rock Island High School; Brenda Hansen, Earl Hanson; Deborah Hayes, Longfellow; Sherrilyn Hendrickson, Frances Willard; Lucinda Hough, Edison; Carol Hultgren, Audubon; Tena Hurt, Lincoln; Connie Hussey, PPS; Kathy Jackson, lincoln; Judy Jarvis, Horace Mann; Jacqueline Jones, Grant; Patrice Kiefer, Earl Hanson; Susan Kinser, PPS; Bonnie Kirgan, Thomas Jefferson; Karen Klockau, Hawthorne-Irving; Belinda Knox, Thurgood Marshall; Holly Koehler, Audubon; Patricia Kraft, Hathorne-Irving; Christy Krochak, Rock Island High School; Diane Krumdieck, Rock Island High School; Marie Kucharo, Rock Island High School; Glen Lampkin, Thurgood Marshall; Kathy Lawhorn, Earl Hanson; Rosaland Lee, Ridgewood; Lavern LeShoure, Grant; Judy Lewis, SKIP; Melanie Lloyd, Rock Island High School; Karen Long, Washington; Tamara Lucas, PPS; Darlene Lueders, Rock Island High School; Laura Lundberg, Rock Island High School; Judy Matlock, Ridgewood; Deborah McMurray, Eugene Field; Vonda McNair, Audubon; Karen Miers, Ridgewood; Donnie Miller, Earl Hanson; Debra Mortz, Frances Willard; Reanetta Nikko, Rock Island High School; Sheila Nimmers, Lincoln; Rosemarie Nykoluk, Rock Island High School; Lolita Payne, Hawthorne-Irving; Don Payton, Rock Island High School; Lisa Pittard, Denkmann; Cindy Pressly, PPS; Omelina Rios, SKIP; Therese Roman, Washington; Rebecca Rowe, Earl Hanson; Sue Sambdman, Rock Island High School; Leslie Scharer, Longfellow; Jessie Schmidt, SKIP; Lori Sebben, Rock Island High School; Dawn Shannon, SKIP; Mary Etta Sheraden, Audubon; Margaret Sherwin, Lincoln; Mario Sierra, Hathorne-Irving; Eileen Smith, Edison; Jacquetta Stephens, Ridgewood; Kathy Strosche, Earl Hanson; Sandy Swanson, Earl Hanson; Aina Swanson, Lincoln; Joann Tanghe, Eugene Field; Lynn Turnbull, Thomas Jefferson; Linda Vanerstvelde, Washington; Paula Vanopdorp, Rock Island High School; Vicki Verschorre, Audubon; Michelle Vize, Longfellow; Robin Wallace, SKIP; Jamie Welge, SKIP; Marvin Whittaker, Washington; Barbara Wignall, Earl Hanson; Judy Williamson, Earl Hanson; Patricia Williamson, Rock Island High School; Judy Wilson, Earl Hanson; Cassandra Wolfe, Denkmann; Shawn York, Edison; Terry Young, SKIP

IX. B. That the Board of Education approve the non-renewal of contracts for the following non-certified (paraprofessionals) personnel completing a partial year of service:

Ferdie Alvarez, Rock Island High School; Mika Atkins-Jacobs, Frances Willard; Susan Bishop, SKIP; Rodney Blue, Hawthorne-Irving, Kara Boostrom, Hawthorne-Irving; Jamie Braet, Lincoln; Salena Carver, Audubon; Ryan Cervantes, SKIP; Cama Creger, Grant; Mary DeCoster, Audubon; Lori DeSpain, Thomas Jefferson; Shalonda Farmer, Thurgood Marshall; Laurie Figley, Lincoln; Jodi Furman, Eugene Field; Doris Gamble, Grant; Rochelle Golden, Hawthorne-Irving; Jennifer Green, Audubon; Toni Greenwalt, Lincoln; Tammy Havemann, Frances Willard; Caroline Johnson-Holmes, Hathorne-Irving; Andrea Jones, Grant; Linda Koester, Thomas Jefferson; Ray Light, Grant; Donna McCrady, Lincoln; Gloria Nielsen, SKIP; Alexander Ortega, Rock Island High School; Chad Quick, Rock Island High School; Charity Rush, Washington; Linda Schroeder, Ridgewood; Misty Smith, Grant; Melissa Stenger, Washington; Torri Sutter, Thomas Jefferson; Barbara Wiggins, Rock Island High School; Sheena Wilson, Lincoln

IX. C. That the Board of Education approve the non-renewal of contracts for the following non-certified (custodians) personnel.

Paul Pool, Rock Island High School

Robert Horice, Rock Island High School

IX. D. That the Board of Education approve the non-renewal of the following grant-funded personnel:

Christopher Boyum, PPS

Janice Watts, MLK Center

IX. E. That the Board of Education approve the following certified appointment:

Jens Rehder ö German/Rock Island High School/Salary $51,916.00

IX. F. That the Board of Education accept the retirement of Jeanette McLaughlin at the end of the 2001-02 school year.

IX. G. That the Board of Education accept the resignation of Steve T. Scherer effective June 4, 2002.

IX. H. That the Board of Education approve the following non-certified appointment:

Ruth E. Merrill ö Purchasing Clerk/Administration Center/Salary $7,983.83 (based on 80 days with a base salary of $25,946.00).

10. That the Board of Education approve the Executive Session Minutes (I and II) of March 26, 2002 as presented and that they remain confidential.

It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the School Improvement Plan for Earl Hanson Elementary School as presented. Principal Sheila Wildermuth was present to answer questions of the Board.

It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the School Improvement Plan for Eugene Field Elementary School as presented. Principal Nancy Galbraith was present to answer questions of the Board.

It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the School Improvement Plan for Grant Intensive Basic School as presented. Principal Darryl Taylor was present to answer questions of the Board.

Jay Marino presented the Professional Development Evaluations to the Board. A copy of the Evaluations is kept on file with the official minutes at the Administration Center.

Sheila Sheer reported on Parent Involvement programs in Rock Island School District 41. Ms. Sheer recognized parents from Frances Willard Elementary School who helped start the LAFF (Learning and Family Fun) program which is now being done in six district schools (Audubon Elementary School, Longfellow Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Hawthorne-Irving Elementary School, Frances Willard Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School). Those parents are: Mike and Stacey Attwood; Edna Forrest; Susan and Wendell Poe; John and Sherry Ramirez; Joe Roy; and Lisa and Patrick Talbott;. Ms. Sheer presented a video that was prepared by Donna Strabley. A copy of the parent involvement information is kept on file with the official minutes at the Administration Center.

The Board took a 10-minute recess at 7:55 p.m.

• Citizen Addressing the Board

Lori Anderson, 210 Bruce Avenue, Milan, IL, is the Science Department Chair at Rock Island High School. She addressed the Board regarding Biology I scheduling at Rock Island High School and the Study Skills course being offered as an option instead of a science course. Ms. Anderson read the following information:

Two years ago the science dept. began our curriculum alignment. We faced three major issues.

• We did not have the classes we needed to fulfill the state standards for half of our students at the high school level.
• Our students needed to improve ACT/PSAE scores
• We didnât have a sophomore level course for students who liked science but were unable to take chemistry due to the math requirement.

In addition, we were continuing our search for ways to make freshman more successful.

We worked closely with all grade levels to develop our strategies. It was decided by the review committee that we would propose an 8^th grade requirement and a new sophomore level course ö Earth & Beyond. We were thrilled when you approved both. We were even more thrilled when 149 sophomores chose to take the new course.

We thought that we had it all in place. We could meet state standards, we could improve ACT scores, and we were quickly progressing on our Earth & Beyond curriculum. A counselor stated, "Finally, you have that course. We told you that you needed it!" This course brought our number of sophomore science students to 85% for next year!

At our biology team lunch about 2 months ago, a rumor surfaced. It was rumored that Biology had been offered to our incoming freshman as an option, AND that about half werenât taking it. We were stunned. The rumor was in fact a truth. Our counselors confirmed that they had been instructed to present it as an option. Our plan of action had been cut off at the knees. We were back to where we started ö unable to meet standards and no power to improve scores significantly. We took our concerns to our principle, the curriculum directors and Dr. Markward. Evidently, their decision hasnât changed. They believe that this is the right thing to do.

We adamantly disagree and that is why we are here. We feel that it is our duty to represent the best interest of our students. Our stance is backed by data & experience. We have provided you with a list of just some of the supporting facts. Please take the time to look it over. We would like to point out just a few.

• Biology is a fantastic class for ALL freshman. Our success rate is at an all time high of 93%. One third of our freshman like science so much that they participate in science club. In fact, science has become so popular that 85% of them decided to take elective science courses their sophomore year. We have set a precedent for teamwork and staff development. We incorporate technology and hands on learning on a daily basis. These are the experiences that keep kids in school
• 85% of the class of 2005 (our current freshmen) will have 2 or more years of science when they take their ACT. If this decision stands, less than 55% of the next class will be able to say the same. Granted, the average student of the past only took 2.5 years of science. Earth & Beyond changed that. That statistic was on the rise. We welcome the future data of the class of 2005 ö more science and higher AC T scores.

This decision has not only undermined the efforts of our department but will have negative effects on students. It is proven that students who take 3 years of science beginning with Biology have higher Act scores. 83 of our top students will not be on this track. We wonder if their parents even know. (In fact, these students cannot even be part of the chamber of commerce dinner & top 10 during their sophomore year.)

Students who wait will have lower Act scores and less science. This will definitely effect their college opportunities. Do you realize that more than half of our incoming freshman havenât had 8^th grade science ö now half will not have 9^th grade science. They will have missed out on 2 vital years of learning.

In all of our discussions, we have yet to see data that supports the decision to offer Biology as an option for freshman. It was said that this decision was meant to keep kids in school. There is no correlation with freshman biology and the drop out rate. We believe that false data may have inspired the whole situation. 40 students failed Biology last year ö not 40%!

This was not a recommendation of the curriculum review committee that worked for 2 years to determine whatâs best for Rock Island science. This was not a decision made with any input from our department. We did not and would not support it. We feel that it stunts our efforts to improve and lowers the standards of our district.

We realize that we offer courses in the traditional ABC order but we have a fine science tradition at Rock Island High School and are standing on the shoulders of some of the best teachers in the state. We are not opposed to change ö rather we welcome it. We lead our school in technology and staff development. Just this year we have teachers involved in Project SMART, TLCF, Datastreme, and Project Horizon. We are constantly pursuing the newest ideas and techniques and strive to improve our skills in order to improve student learning. We are more than willing to change ö when the change is supported by need, data, and teamwork. This reform has been pushed on us and is not supported by state standards or solid data. We simply cannot support it.

Mr. Gremanis stated that he fully supports what she said, as he has one student who loves science.

Dr. Markward stated that the Board should hear all speakers on the topic before asking questions. One of the speakers not yet heard may be addressing an aspect of the problem about which a member might have a question.

Dr. Dawn Snyder stated that data in the district shows a high dropout rate from 9^th grade through 12^th grade. Dr. Snyder stated that in planning for the Study Skills class, she spoke to department chairs, counselors and students. They gathered information from 175 students who are 9A and 9B Freshmen. They identified things that were helpful and difficult during their freshman year. One item that was apparent was the need for time to study at school. With the core classes and number of classes for freshmen, it makes it difficult. Many felt the need to lighten the number of core classes. It seemed logical to offer some relief in the science department. Biology is required of every student who attends Rock Island High School. Itâs only when they take it that is questionable. The option given to all students was: 1) take the study skills course during their freshman year and take Biology at another time, 2) take the study skills course and Biology during their freshman year, or 3) take Biology during their freshman year. These options were in no way to diminish what the Biology teachers have done. Biology is fantastic, and students will be required to take it, they just wonât have to at the freshman level.

Dr. Snyder stated that we do know we have a problem with a significant number of students who do not graduate. We are trying something different with offering the study skills course. She believes in the long run that more students will be around to take more science. If they are successful early on, then we will keep them longer and therefore more students will have the opportunity to take all of the science classes.

Janet Moline, 3836 ö 28^th Avenue, Rock Island, IL, is a member of the Science Department at Rock Island High School. She addressed the Board regarding Biology I scheduling at Rock Island High School and the Study Skills course being offered as an option instead of a science course. Ms. Moline expressed her concerns of the quality point system. She is concerned that the 9A parents who want their child in the Top 10 of their class will not understand that by taking the Study Skills course that rank will be affected. The students who are enrolled in 9A English are those who are going to college and will start taking Biology their sophomore year. Students will fall behind in the quality point system if they do not start taking a science course during their freshman year.

Mr. Chaney stated that the junior high counselors need to track the higher potential dropout children in order to steer them in the right direction. The Study Skills course will give such children another opportunity to stay in school and Biology wonât scare them away.

The District needs to address the dropout issue. Most higher achieving children have help from parents more than the children who are at risk. According to the registration numbers for next year, there are 83 parents of 83 students who donât realize if they donât start Biology at the freshman year then their class rank will be affected and will be the key to getting into the college of their choice.

Ms. Dothard stated that there are many issues to consider. We currently have a high dropout rate as well as low achievement in African American students. The issue of the Study Skills course and Biology I affects kids on both ends of the spectrum. We need to work on a solution that is in the best interest of all students. Both teams need to work together to provide a workable solution to the issue.

Ms. McDevitt stated that as representatives of the community, we want our students to remain in school and want higher achievement. She feels that we must make the 83 families aware of what is happening. The most important thing of attending Rock Island High School is getting the very best education you can get, not receiving awards. This is about learning. Parents need to really know what children can handle well in high school and what we as a school think would be good for them. We really need to keep pushing people to take more academics.

Mr. Cleaver stated that it is absolutely important to keep the bar high for those students who need a high bar. Sometimes parents donât really know whatâs best for their kids so schools need to identify what the capabilities of the students are. Not everybody will have the benefit of having parents who spent years in college who will know what the counselors will expect. It is important to maintain an environment for non-college bound students to maintain realistic approach to learning. For these students, the last day at Rock Island High School will be their last day in an educational learning environment. Weâre all trying to get to the same place, we want Rocky to be the best place regardless if they are going to college or work after graduation.

Ms. Kay Ingham described what a typical day will be in the Study Skills Class. It will be a 50-minute period, with 20 minutes of sharing information and 20-30 minutes of study time and writing reflections such as Îwhat I am learning I am able to apply in various classes.â They will set individual and class goals. We are dealing with a number of students who are coming to the high school without the skills and habits needed to be successful. The bottom line is if we donât teach habits and skills to help them all four years, we will not be able to keep them here. We have an obligation to make our students better in order to be more successful. She encouraged Board members to see the study skills class as it unfolds.

Dr. Markward stated that in our haste to address the problem, we may have moved too quickly. He will bring the teachers and administrators back together to arrive at the best possible solution for the greatest number of students.

Ms. Gay asked those involved to get back together to look review what can be done. Even though registration has taken place it is certainly not over.

It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the agreement for the Extended Year Services for Interdistrict Programs as presented.

It was recommended that the Board of Education acknowledge the donation of $75.00 from Raymond Haberthur for classroom use at Frances Willard.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m.