Board considers name for new school
March 3, 2009
School board members will conduct a work session in early April for the purpose of developing the 2009-2010 budget. The board agreed at its March 3 study session that the discussion should be delayed until April in order to have more information about federal stimulus funds the district will receive and how they may be used.
Possible names for the new southwest elementary school were also considered by the board. David Harrison Elementary, Dogwood Elementary and Kildee Park Elementary were among about 40 suggestions submitted by students and families in the attendance area. Board members selected David Harrison Elementary School as their choice and directed administrators to return March 17 with an action item for final approval.
Currently under construction, the new K-4 school will open in August 2009. The school’s start time has been set for 8:10 a.m. with a dismissal time of 2:55 p.m. Chris Mendel is the school’s principal.
In other business:
- The board approved a resolution authorizing the district to convey to the Missouri School Board Association a leasehold interest in the new Hickory Hills School and approving the delivery of about $8.9 million principal amount of lease participation certificates.
- The board considered a curriculum resource adoption for 6-12 Social Studies, Technology Education and Business Education software upgrade. According to board policy, a review of textbooks and other resources for each content area must occur in cycles not to exceed seven years. Anita Kissinger, associate superintendent of educational services, noted that a review of other school districts’ curriculum adoption policies indicate Springfield Public Schools is unique in that it involves parents and community members in curriculum review and adoption. Other districts' curriculum is reviewed and selected by staff only. The cost to adopt all proposed materials for the three content areas is $2,304,641, about $600,000 less than originally budgeted. The savings is to be credited to the curriculum committee and Dr. Kelvin Pamperien for their commitment to ensuring effective and efficient use of resources, Kissinger explained.
- The board recognized the following employees for special achievements:
Jim Whytlaw, Glendale High School swimming coach, was named National Swimming Coach of the Year.
Dr. Jason Anderson, Campbell Elementary School principal, is a nominee for Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals Distinguished Principal.
Stephanie Young, Truman Elementary School principal, is a nominee for Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals Exemplary New Principal.
Nicole Lemmon, Central High School media advisor, and Dave Davis, Hillcrest High School media advisor, and their students were recognized for the national achievements of their schools’ media programs.