The Otto-Eldred School Board heard updates on Keystone Exams and preliminary reporting on Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) scores.
During administration reports, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Merry reported that all three Keystone Exams — algebra, biology and literature — had proficiency percentages above the state averages.
For PSSAs, seventh grade English language arts tests showed a significant 20 percent increase in the cohort growth. While third grade math scores were highest, this group of students was the first to have experienced the Common Core standards from the start of their education. Students in the other grades experienced the transition from previous standards to Common Core.
Merry also announced that the district received a $2,500 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, which will help support efforts to continue to promote literacy and college and career readiness.
Superintendent Matthew Splain updated the board on bids he received to repair the cafeteria serving line at the elementary school. A bid of $66,566 from Curran Taylor was accepted and approved by the board. Also, the board gave approval to purchase a snow plow at the lowest bid.
Lindsay Burns, principal of elementary and special education, reported that the start of the new school year has been a very positive one at the elementary school. The teachers are focusing on building a positive school community by empowering students to form positive relationships with their classmates. Teachers are encouraging activities such as morning meetings, greetings at the door and individual handshakes with their students.
To reinforce this, Jim “Basketball” Jones presented at an assembly at the elementary and was greatly received by the faculty and staff, Burns reported. The hope is the message of kindness and positivity will carry throughout the school year. The school board watched a video clip of the assembly that was presented by Burns.
Meanwhile, the board accepted a resignation from physical education teacher Lucas Breese effective Sept. 5 with a vote from the board of six to one. Another resignation from substitute aide Christine Coast was accepted effective Sept. 7.
The board met in executive session prior to the regular scheduled board meeting.
Various staff and supplemental positions were approved. Courtney Brammer, Mike Miller and Randy Ruffner were approved to be added to the substitute teacher list for the 2018-19 school year. Rebecca Campbell, Charles Betz and Ashtin Askins were approved to the substitute aide list. Megan Walk was approved to lead the table game club. Chelsea Murray was approved to lead the Mock Trial Club. Kaci Daniels was approved to be a clock keeper for junior high volleyball. Approved as ticket takers for various events were Tamberlane Kinner, Michael Kinner, Wanda Stebbins, Amy Jordan, John Jordan, Kathy Shelander, Chelsey Murray and Nicole Cochran. Kera Bradt was approved for softball game manager and junior high basketball game manager. Janet Healy, Phyllis Schweikart and Mike Spencer were approved to be added to the bus/van driver list. Chelsey Murray was approved to volunteer for the cross country team. Fawn Miller was approved to be a volunteer for the junior varsity/varsity volleyball team.
The board approved a large list of field trips that will take place throughout the school year.
Cole Memorial Medical Services were approved to provide medical services for the 2018-19 academic year.
Attendees heard community announcements for the coming months.
An elementary open house will be held form 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. There will be an Act 80 day on Nov. 2 for the purpose of parent/teacher conferences, curriculum planning and/or planning for topics that have impact on the education program.
The athletic department announced that the homecoming game versus Clarion Limestone originally planned for Sept. 28 has been moved to 6 p.m. Sept. 29 due to lack of availability of officials for the contest.
The National Honor Society banquet will be held on Nov. 15 at the Old Library Restaurant in Olean, N.Y.
The next school board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 in the Otto-Eldred elementary technology center.
