The Louisville Municipal School Board met on Tuesday, October 9th in a regularly scheduled meeting. In addition to normal business that included financial reports, consent agenda and personnel issues, the Board dealt with the following issues:
The Board received a briefing from David Luke, the Principal at Nanih Waiya, concerning the school’s status. Nanih Waiya (NW) has been the bright spot for the system in terms of state testing. Luke indicated that NW had achieved a high performance standard. By one standard, the Quality of Distribution Index (QDI), the school is approaching a “Star” status which is the highest evaluation in the state of Misssissippi. Nanih Waiya’s QDI of 191 approaches the 200 needed to achieve the Star status.
Nanih Waiya’s graduation rate is 90.6% and students in grades 3-8 demonstrate an overall proficiency of 75% with 21% of that figure performing at advanced levels. 88% of all students participate in activities and clubs outside of the classroom and 80% of students further their education once graduated. Luke was quick to point out the value of good teachers in the classroom and parent involvement in the school.
When asked by Board member Brenda Johnson, how the school gets parents involved, Luke responded, “We encourage and welcome it – We expect teachers to build relationships with parents. When there is a problem with a student, the first thing we ask a teacher is – have you talked to Mom and Dad?”
Board member Cathy Edwards applauded Luke and the staff on their efforts indicating that we need more of this in the other schools in the District.
The Board also received a briefing on “Board Book” which will be implemented as early as the next meeting. Board Book utilizes computer and IPad access to board agenda’s and minutes resulting in paperless board meetings. Board members will be able to access previous information and mark agenda items for review prior to meetings.
The Board approved a Test Security Plan for the 2012/2013 school year and was briefed on upcoming test score guidelines from Dr. Nola Bryant.
Linda Humphries, a parent with the TAPS grogram at Eiland Middle School presented a fundraiser idea for equipment, academic rewards and beautification projects around the school. Humphries asked the Board to consider a “Blue Jeans Friday” fund raiser that would allow students to wear appropriate jeans if they bring a dollar each Friday. She presented several ideas to utilize the funds to increase parent participation, purchase sound systems and make school improvements. The Board took the idea under advisement.
The Board dealt with several 16th section lease issues including a two acre lease on Brooksville Road. The Board canceled the lease with Mike Peterson and approved a new lease with Gerald Ray Dempsey for the tract.
After executive session, The Board also authorized the hiring of Marcus Thames as an assistant baseball coach at Louisville High. Thames is a familiar figure as he played major league baseball for several years with the Detroit Lions, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees.
The Board scheduled their next meeting on Wednesday, November 14 at 5:00 pm. The full agenda and minutes will be available at the District’s central Office when approved.
W. McCully
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