Last night the Northeast Dubois School Board discussed a variety topics pertaining to the development of a number of schools withing the district and the overall progress the corporation is aiming for.
One of the most recognizable items was the recommendation to modify administrators’ insurance. This particular recommendation is significant as corporation principles agreed to contribute back to the district by having their insurance benefits reduced by 50%. Superintendent Bill Hochgesang also recommended having his own benefits cut in half as well.
These recommendations came after Hochgesang had held a previous meeting with school administrators where all discussed taking action in helping with the budget concerns the corporation is facing.
At last night’s gathering Northast Dubois board members expressed their gratitude towards high school principal, Tina Fawks, middle school principal Ryan Case, and Celestine and Dubois Elementary principal Brenda Ferguson for their contribution which is estimated to be approximately $30,000 in savings for the corporation.
Board president Mary Pankey says that savings is almost worth the amount of hiring a new teacher that would have been put back into corporation funds by paying half of corporation insurance out of pocket.
The Board approved the recommendation for the principals’ 50% benefit reduction. As for Hochgesang’s request the board motioned to first, hold a hearing regarding a change in Hochgesang’s contract before collectively reviewing the topic at their next board meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
In other business last night, the board discussed a grant the district recieved from the Dubois County Community Foundation for $10,000 to go towards extending the involvement of the corporation’s social worker.
Superintendent Bill Hochgesang reflects on the changes the social worker position has gone through.
Hochgesang adds that the position serves the purpose of meeting the needs of students that will help them be prepared and ready to learn and is excited to receive the grant since it is a useful asset for the schools.
And finally last night, the Every Student Succeeds Act was a pending item of discussion and was approved by the board.
The resolution dictates that the act will replace the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act. According to the resolution the act will provide each state with control of its education practices regarding the accountability system.
Hochgesang compares the two acts and why he asked the board to adopt the resolution.
Many school are signing this resolution throughout the nation in order to provide a more complete and accurate portrayal of school and district progress as indicated by the resolution.
