Wednesday night held yet another USD 383 school board meeting and with that a few discussion.
One that will be brought back at a future meeting after some review is that of the course proposals for the 2014-2015 school year. Jeanne Disney, Director of Secondary Education, and Carol Adams, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, brought forth their presentation.
Their initial recommendations for the high school included the addition of five new courses. Those are Media and Public Relations, Project Management and Resource Scheduling, Java Computer Programming, Honors Investigation in Science, and Creative Writing.
Discussion and concern came about the Java Computer Programming class as both Curt Herrman, board president, and Darell Edie, board member, brought up the issue of the outdated-ness of the Java system.
“Java’s kind of on its way out as far as careers and people aren’t really – they’re kind of going away from the Java platform,” said Herrman. “C-Sharp, C Plus Plus, anything that’s used in an ms.net platform, which is for mobile apps and tablet apps, I think that’s really where everybody, all the careers are going right now.”
The board did pass the first reading of this proposal with a 6-1 vote with Pat Hudgins dissenting.
Some issues also arose with the report given about the iQ Academy and the possible changes that could be coming.
During the report given by Brooke Blanck, Director of iQ Academy Kansas, there were a number of positive outcomes that have come from the iQ Academy, but the issue is whether this will continue to meet demands.
The board decided there will be a work session on this issue at their next meeting on December 4 to review and discuss more in-depth since the future recommendations for the iQ Academy is to consider the contract renewal.
The proposal of a non-renewal is expected to be brought forth. According to the background information available from the meeting, “the non-renewal offers an opportunity to explore alternative programs such as a blended learning model that would provide virtual learning opportunities in core classes, enrichment classes, and college and career ready opportunities that meet the needs of all students.”
The board also went through their audit report where only one violation was found and it had to do with the appropriation of funds. They also approved the bid for the Marlatt Elementary stair, ramp, and retaining wall replacement.
A reminder was also given about no school for elementary and middle students on Friday, November 22 and then also there will be no school beginning Wednesday, November 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The next meeting for the Manhattan Ogden school board is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4 at the Robinson Education Center.
