In their first meeting of the new year, the Pittsburg U.S.D. 250 School Board approved two programs for high school students, both allowing them to take college courses.

The board members once again approved Policy IDCE and approved Policy IIBGB. The former allows Pittsburg High School juniors and seniors to be released from school during the regular school day to attend classes at Pittsburg State University, Fort Scott Community College or Labette Community College, while the latter allows students to enroll in on-line courses from any accredited school or university program.

In the past, Policy IDCE had not specified which schools students could take resident courses from, which was the purpose for the change.

"Before it wasn't identified," Gary Price, U.S.D. 250 superintendent, said. "And what we didn't want was somebody to say 'well, I'll take one at Johnson County Community College."

To participate in on-line courses, students must apply for permission to enroll through the principal's office at least 10 days prior to the start of the semester. Taking resident or on-line courses also gives the students the opportunity to receive dual credit, a 1/2 high school credit for a three-hour college course and a full high school credit for a four or five-hour college course.

The board also agreed to continue its after-school program at the elementary level.

"It's actually been around quite a while under different formats," Price said. "We think it's really an advantage. All children can learn in the right environment. Some kids just need more time and this after-school program provides it."

Assistant Superintendent Matthew Wendt also announced that Pittsburg had been selected to host for a mathematics summer academy. The academy is tentatively scheduled for June, but more details will be announced in February. Wendt said hundreds of educators from around the state will participate in the academy, not only providing a great learning experience, but giving the area a chance to show off to people from around the state.

"This will provide a great professional development opportunity for teachers throughout the state," Wendt said.

Wendt added that along with the U.S.D. 250 facilities, he hopes to involve Pittsburg State University and Greenbush in the academy.

In other action, the board:

* Approved the appointment of Douglas Stuckey as auditor for the district for the 2005-06 school year.

* Discussed starting a district-wide recycling program. Price said the district plans to work with Chuck Delp of Southeast Kansas Recycling, Inc. and other industries to establish the program.

* Announced that the district's child care program will be outsourced beginning with the 2006-07 school year.

* Approved the minutes of the Dec. 12, 2005 meeting.

* Approved the employment of the following as certified staff for the after-school program: Dee Dee Allai, teacher, Westside; Debby Baima, substitute teacher, Lakeside; Terry Bartlow, teacher, Lakeside; Pam Bombrake, teacher, Lakeside; Michelle Casey, coordinator, Lakeside; Tammy Deierling, teacher, George Nettels; Mary Dollar, teacher, Lakeside; Mary Beth Dunlavy, teacher, Lakeside; Gail Ewan, teacher, Meadowlark; Abby Graham, teacher, Meadowlark; Carol Grotheer, teacher, Meadowlark; Carmella Heter, coordinator, Westside; Ann Lee, teacher, George Nettels; Courtney McCartney, coordinator, Meadowlark; Lori Mendicki, teacher, Meadowlark; Marsha Merando, teacher, Westside; Darlene Montgomery, teacher, George Nettels; Diane Oertle, teacher, Westside; Cara Oliver, teacher, Westside; Brenda Penner, teacher, George Nettels; Jennifer Perez, teacher, George Nettels; Cathy Ratzlaff, teacher, George Nettels; Marty Sours, teacher, George Nettels; Jessica Stoughton, teacher, Lakeside; Nancy Tomassi, teacher, Westside; Susan Ward, coordinator, George Nettels; Carol Watson, teacher, Meadowlark; Janie Wilson, teacher, Meadowlark; Terry Wood, teacher, Westside; Diana Guiles, teacher, Meadowlark; Vicky VanBecelaere, substitute teacher, Meadowlark; Melissa Rink, substitute teacher, Westside; Linda Wills, substitute teacher, Westside; Lori Southern, substitute teacher, Westside; Sue Boehne, substitute teacher, Westside; and Stephanie White, substitute teacher, Westside.

* Approved the employment of the following as classified staff for the after-school program: Sherri Beitzinger, migrant paraprofessional, Westside; Stephanie Belford, classroom aide, Meadowlark; Taylor Calahan, classroom aide, George Nettels; Stacy Dellasega, classroom aide, Westside; Rhi Hess, classroom aide, Lakeside; Kristi Schoonover, classroom aide, Westside; Lindsey Smith, classroom aide, Westside; Vivian Jones, classroom aide, Lakeside; Sarah Mills, volunteer classroom aide, George Nettels; Lovina Wolgamott, classroom aide, George Nettels; and Robyn Acker, classroom aide, Lakeside.

* Approved the following classified employments: Christina Holmes, cook, Westside; Rachel Tomassi, bus paraprofessional; NeShawn VanCleave, crossing guard and lunchroom supervisor, Meadowlark; Wilma Lomon, lunchroom supervisor, Meadowlark; and Lovina Wolgamott, after-school program aide, George Nettels.

* Approved Melissa Vacca's request for maternity leave from Jan. 2 to Feb. 3.

* Approved the following supplemental hiring: Mary Zeigler, spirit coach, PCMS.

* Accepted the resignations of Joshua Jacobs, network administrator; Eric Jameson, maintenance, PCMS; Danette Turner, lunchroom supervisor, Meadowlark; Jan Meredith, technology assistant, George Nettels; and Mike Sullivan, technology assistant and technology curriculum coordinator, PCMS.

* Approved the following termination: Leah Young, crossing guard and lunchroom supervisor, Meadowlark.

The Morning Sun, (www.morningsun.net) January 10, 2006

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