Christine Blacka was named as president of the Jonathan Alder school board for 2016.
(Posted Jan. 14, 2016)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
Gary Chapman, superintendent of Jonathan Alder Local Schools, presented the district’s calendar for the coming two years at the school board’s Jan. 11 meeting.
The calendars are in the draft stage and are posted on the district’s website for review. A public hearing on the proposed calendars will take place during the school board’s regular meeting on Feb. 8.
For the 2016-17 year, classes will begin on Aug. 17 and end on May 25 with graduation on May 28. Professional development days are set for Sept. 23, Oct. 21, Nov. 8 and Feb. 17, however, the February date could change if it is used as a make-up day.
Once again, schools are allowed five calamity days before having to make up missed days. Make-up days are set for Feb. 17, Feb. 20 and April 17.
In other action, Aaron Johnson, district treasurer, administered the oath of office to board members Tom Bichsel, Christine Blacka and Steve Votaw who were re-elected in November to four-year terms. Blacka was elected president and Mary Jo Boyd as vice president for 2016.
Board members approved the meeting schedule for the year: Feb. 8, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 22, July 21, Aug. 8, Sept, 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, and Jan. 9, 2017. Meetings start at 6:30 p.m. The pay rate for board members was approved at $100 per meeting, not to exceed 13 meetings.
The board commended the Jonathan Alder Education Foundation for providing funds for the multiplication strips at Plain City Elementary. They are strips show the multiplication tables and are attached to risers on stairs. Example: 4×1 =4; 4×2=8.
“It’s so much fun to hear the comments,” said Principal Kelly Hicks. “The little kids want to know what the ‘x’ means and the big kids say, ‘I know that one.’ ”
At the end of the meeting the board went into executive session to discuss personnel issues.
For more about district news, programs and meetings, go to www.alder.k12.oh.us. Among the items available for perusal are minutes from financial advisory council meetings. The board uses the community-based council to provide oversight and accountability in stewardship, communication and a community perspective. The minutes can be found under the “Superintendent’s Message” and the “Treasurer’s Page.”
