APPLICATION FOR WAIVER OF SCHOOL CODE MANDATE

         Thursday morning, January 18, the Board met in
         special session to conduct a hearing on the         
         renewal of the district’s physical education
         waiver.  P.E. waivers are granted for five years
         and the district’s existing waiver expires at the
         end of this school year.For this waiver, the law
        requires that a notice be placed in the newspaper
        and a public hearing be held at a special Board
        meeting.  The District is not seeking to make
        changes to the waiver that was submitted  last
        time.  In other words, we are not seeking to cut
        P.E. or eliminate staff.  We will ask for a waiver   
        under the same conditions that were requested
        previously (so students can take Driver’s Ed, as
        one example).

        We all share a concern for and a commitment to
        the fitness and wellness of our students, and it
        goes without saying that a strong physical
        education program is a critical part of any school
        system.  This waiver, if granted, will allow the
        District to continue the practices that are currently
        in place.  However, it would not preclude us, at
        any point during the five-year period, from
        pursuing changes and options that would allow
         more students to take P.E. more often.

        Any questions about the P.E. waiver should be
        directed to Trish Viniard, Assistant Superintendent =      of Curriculum and Instruction.

PARAEDUCATORS RECOGNIZED

The Board recognized paraeducators at last night’s Board meeting.  Paraeducators provide vital support for students in all buildings.  One-on-one paraeducators are assigned to one student who needs physical or educational assistance.  Access paraeducators help two or more students.  Program paraeducators assist the teacher in meeting the needs of all the students in a special education classroom.  Computer and library paraeducators help students access these fundamental resources. There are currently 162 paraeducators employed in the District.  Public  Relations Director Christie Dickens stated, “Although their tasks vary, all paraeducators help increase the opportunities for academic and social success of students.  Their everyday greatness makes a difference in the lives of many every day.”  Thank you, paraeducators!

In other action, the Board approved:

• Food and non-food bids

•  Seeking quotes for line of credit

•  Seeking quotes for sale of used buses

•  Seeking pricing on new bus leasing

• Seniority list for classified and certified staff

• Authorization for the sale of the Vocational House at 3333 Fox Run