(Posted Dec. 21, 2015)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
Beside every classroom door at Madison-Plains Local Schools hangs a guide outlining what to do in case of emergencies.
The flip chart, nearly a year in the works, replaces the emergency operation guide once contained in a binder on a shelf, said technology director Joe Penney at the Dec. 15 school board meeting.
The overhauled plan, drawn up after meetings with the fire department, sheriff’s office, and local representatives of Homeland Security and the Emergency Management Agency, contains instructions and floor plans. Copies were sent to the fire department and sheriff’s office.
“That way, first responders will know where to go,” he said.
As board members looked through the document, Superintendent Tim Dettwiller said, “You will see it puts decisions on the principals. It’s the principal, not me, who will make the call.”
Curriculum
Also making a presentation to the board was Curriculum Director Karen Grigsby who said one of her goals was to communicate with as many audiences as possible.
To that end, she created “Curriculum Connection,” an electronic quarterly newsletter accessible through the district’s website, www.mplsd.org.
The second edition focuses on science, but also includes information about how students graduating in 2018 and beyond can accumulate points for graduation.
“They’ll need 18 out of a possible 35 to graduate,” she said. “They no longer will be taking the Ohio Graduation Test.”
Required classes are English I and II, Algebra I, geometry, American history, American government, physical science or biology. Performance levels identified are: exceeds expectations, five points; meets expectations, four points; approaches expectations, three points; partially meets expectations, two points; and not yet meets expectations, one point.
Grigsby also said she is working with 118 gifted students, for which she has individualized education plans or acceleration plans.
The grading practices committee she oversees will add a parent and is considering whether to add a student.
Dettwiller, in his report, said the district now has four English as Second Language (ESL) students and that state funding for them has changed. Last year the district had only one ESL student.
“Before, if they were here in October then left, we had funding all year. Now we get funding as long as they are here,” he said.
Teacher dress code
Dettwiller addressed the dress code for teachers, a proposal that drew many complaints. After the teachers voiced their concerns, it was withdrawn as policy and is now considered a guideline.
“I’m glad they came and showed their interest,” Dettwiller said. “We’ve worked out differences.”
While the rewritten dress code is now in the draft stage, it will be peer enforced.
“Guidelines do not need board approval,” Dettwiller said.
Miscellaneous
The board approved the appointment of representatives to the Mount Sterling Library Board. Joann Pears resigned due to a move out of state. Joyce Stuart was named to replace her. Guy Forthofer was appointed as a new member.
Board President Kelly Cooley thanked Ken Morlock for his many years of service as a board member and presented him with a lifetime Golden Eagle pass. Morlock lost his bid for re-election in November to Mark Mason who will be seated at the Jan. 12 meeting.
The board will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 21.
