Board honors achievements of students and schools
Dec. 15 , 2009
The board of education recognized some notable achievements by SPS schools and students at their December combined meeting. Those recognized were:
- Central High School was honored for being named a Silver Medal school by U.S. News and World Report. It was the third year Central earned recognition as one of the country’s top high schools. Previously, Central received Bronze Medal status. The Silver Medal designation is awarded to the top 3 percent of the nation’s high schools. Only five other Missouri high schools earned the award. Parkview High School received a Bronze Medal for the second consecutive year; they will be recognized at the board meeting in January.
- The board also recognized Central’s “Central Intelligence” student broadcasting program who earned a Pacemaker Award, given to the nation’s top five high school broadcast media programs, and their second consecutive first place in the Best of Show category at the National Scholastic Press Association.
- The board celebrated Lisa Lilley, Central High School International Baccalaureate Spanish teacher, who was named 2010 Teacher of the Year by the American Council for Teaching of Foreign Languages.
- Care to Learn was recognized at the meeting. Working with the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, Care to Learn has helped a number of Springfield students address urgent health, hunger and hygiene needs.
The board approved architectural/engineering firms for the air conditioning projects at Jarrett and Reed middle schools at the December combined meeting. Colvin Jones Davis was selected for the Jarrett project and Malone, Finkle, Eckhardt & Collins, Inc. was selected for the Reed project. Both projects were part of the 2009 bond proposal approved by voters on Nov. 3, 2009. Work is expected to begin on those projects in the summer.
Becky Morgan, Coordinator of Attendance, Homeless and Migrant Services, presented the program evaluation for that department. During the 2008-2009 school year, the department's staff made more than 7,573 home visits working with families and students to overcome attendance barriers. The district's attendance rate last year was 94.48 percent, a ten-year high. The number of homeless students continues to increase due to economic conditions. There were a total of 209 homeless students during the 2008-2009 school year compared to 155 the year before.
The board certified the election results from the Nov. 10 election in which district teachers to choose exclusive representation for purposes of collective bargaining. Ballot language for the election to select the bargaining unit (MSTA, SNEA or no representative) was also approved by the board.
The treasurer's report revealed that as of Nov. 30, 2009, state sales tax revenues were down 12 percent through the same period last year.
Read the complete agenda for the Dec. 15, 2009 combined meeting and all associated documents.