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Show irtffeews ana Scfioof Board Discuss Policies. Mutual CoMcemn tond County School Board with Ur8e group f wrncdoiti"'" and parents 7 .,, recommendations I "i'Tthe board after . fj Jent Plic rinion P" " i J the meeting held in f PHigh School library. ! Jrntd cities had sub- j L.de the program in the I jchool district. Superintendent of Schools Bill B. Meador had prepared written responses to each of the suggestions. Each was discussed, after which School Board President Les Graves called for a vote by board members. In each case, the board voted to approve the present program as outlined in the superintendent's statement. state-ment. The first suggestion made by the concerned citizens was "Every educator in our system is to have a responsibility to every other educator." Supt. Meador characterized this as "the ideal situation," but pointed out, "It's extremely difficult for a teacher to walk into another teacher's classroom class-room and control discipline or problems for himher. Interview Committee The second citizen suggestion sug-gestion was that holdover teachers and coaches should be on the interviewing and screening committee for new staff people. Meador responded, respond-ed, "We have used this format in the past especially when the position to be filled is technical in nature." He continued, "Problems arise in attempting to curry out this type of formut bacause of the time elements involved. Much of the interviewing takes place after hours, during summer months and on Saturdays when administrators administra-tors are the only people available. However, if we see the need and especially in an urea where two people will need to work in close harmony, 1 feel the suggestion has merit." The citizens suggested the board und administration "look at other successful programs." Meador reported thut this year, to date, the district has expended $3,424 to assist teacher visits to other classroom workshops and conferences, con-ferences, stating that the philosophy of this school administration is "concerned with innovation and program improvement." He explained, however, "We have had to be concerned with the number of requests and be selective as to what type of program individual teachers would be visiting. Staff members arc continually requesting to attend many conferences and workshops; all supported by responsible organizations." The improvement of reading instruction was selected two years ago by administration and teachers as the primary goal for this district, said Meador. "Teachers and administrators ad-ministrators have visited schools and attended workshops, work-shops, conferences and individual indi-vidual classrooms in attempt- m . ing to gather information to facilitate this goal," lie explained. ex-plained. Athletics Much criticism from the citizens was directed at the athletics programs in the school district. Citizens recommended recom-mended an athletics program at the middle school and Mr. Meador responded at length, pointing out phis and minus factors on the suggestion and discussing problems. He estimated esti-mated that reinstatement of a football program at the middle school would cost $10,445. He said, "I feel a strong well-organized intramural program pro-gram in basketball, volleyball, wrestling and other sports could and should be emphasized emphasiz-ed for the middle school with the responsibility for conducting conduct-ing these programs a major priority of the principal." He stressed, "Girls must be given the same opportunity for space and time provided the boys," adding, "The emphasis empha-sis of the program should be placed on the concept that every child will have the opportunity to play if he so chooses. Enjoyment and skill development should also be a major emphasis of the program." pro-gram." Citizens asked that coaching clinics be required for all coaching positions, feador pointed out that "If coaching clinics are required and finances provided by the Board, other areas of the curriculum should be given the same consideration, for example. exam-ple. Music, art, math, etc." He explained, "At the present time, the football staff must begin practice sessions before their contract salaries actually begin. They have been most cooperative in this respect and have not asked lor extra compensation from the District." Upgrade Skills He recommended that, "it should be the policy of the board to recommend and encourage all staff members to upgrade their skills through in-service programs, college courses and clinics based on their individual teaching and coaching evaluation." The citizens' group had suggested that cutting of younger players should be kept to a minimum or they should have a program for development. Supt. Meador reported that this has been a concern, and that he had met with coaches and principals to discuss the situation. He said, "It was determined at that time that we would attempt to develop practice schedules, formats and use our facilities in order to eliminate the need to cut a 'H or possibly any 10th grade students liom any program." I le also suggested that "An intramural program should also be organized for the high school with the same philosophy philoso-phy as stated above for the , middle school." Citizens stated their concern that coaches teach "not only winning and fundamentals, but more important, attitude ; to develop pride in our school and community. . . " Said Sup. Meador, "I agree with this statement, however, every teacher has the same responsibility, respon-sibility, not just the coaches." ; He expanded, "They cannot -and should not be expected to assume the total responsibility '. for the overall altitudes of ! every student in the school or I; even those enrolled in their ' program. They should, however, how-ever, be expected to do , everything possible to help v young men and women respect the acceptable mores of the community, school and the -home." |