In a continuing effort toward creating a collaborative culture, please find a summary of the Scott County Board of Education work session on December 3, 2015. This is being forwarded to all employees and parents/community via e-communications. This is merely a summary and not to be perceived as official board minutes.
The Scott County Board of Education met on December 3, 2015 at 6:30pm at the Great Crossing Office Complex. The Student Spotlight portion of the meeting included a presentation from officers of the Scott County High School chapter of the Future Farmers of America. This year, the chapter has earned a Gold ranking in addition to numerous leadership awards in categories including: vegetable production, horticulture, ag mechanics, horse judging, and networking. The annual FFA food drive donated 22,500 pounds of food to the local AMEN House. This year 35 freshman earned their Green Hand degree. Chapter representatives expressed appreciation to Superintendent Patricia Putty and members of the Scott County Board of Education in addition to its strong alumni support.
Next, Dr. Jonda Tippins shared a presentation about Scott County Ninth Grade School. More than 100 students participate in the school’s tutoring program. The Advanced Placement Government class at the Ninth Grade School has 55 students enrolled with 26 qualifying scores of three or better on the advanced placement exam. There are 23 community mentors matched with ninth grade students to provide one-on-one attention and encourage strong academic performance, good attendance, and positive behavior. The Ninth Grade School AFJROTC program exceeded standards in each category during a recent evaluation. The biomedical program at the school is participating in a year-long investigation of forensic evidence to solve a hypothetical murder scenario. During the state-recognized high attendance day in September, the Ninth Grade School celebrated the highest attendance of a high school in Region 15 at 96.75%. Tippins also discussed areas of growth and resources to meet student needs with changes in the drop-out age and increasing needs for mental health services.
In other business, members discussed the Lil’ Cardinals Library program asking Superintendent Putty to prepare a proposal for potential funding by the board. The board also discussed two additional plans for the 2016-2017 school year calendar developed by members of the Scott County Board of Education. Both proposals list August 11, 2016 as the first day of school for students. One includes a full week fall break while another includes an abbreviated fall break. Members decided to make the 2016-2017 school calendar an agenda item for its meeting on Thursday, December 10, 2015 to allow for public input. The meeting will take place at 6:30pm at the Great Crossing Office Complex.