Board approves new science curriculum

By Lexi MooreHills-Beaver Creek School Board members approved a new K-12 science curriculum during their meeting on Monday night.The H-BC curriculum advisory committee, including board member Ann Boeve, recommended the Scott Foresman Company science curriculum that spans from kindergarten to senior high.Science instructors and H-BC Elementary Principal Todd Holthaus have been researching possible science curriculum for two years and determined that this company offered the best services for H-BC’s needs.The group took steps to ensure the new curriculum meets both federal and state science requirements.Ann Boeve had the highest respect for the committee and their commitment to the curriculum they chose."I believe this is what they want and I recommend we approve it," Boeve told board members. "They were very confident with it, which I liked."Holthaus explained that the new curriculum will overlap and connect grade levels and offered many advantages over the current texts.The curriculum has few items that would need to be reordered on an annual basis and it offers leveled readers for younger grades. This gives students of all reading levels a chance to read and comprehend the concepts.The committee included an experimental Web-based enhancement for junior high students. The Web program adds $7 to the price of each textbook and gives students the ability to access their textbook online.The total cost of the new curriculum is $22,230.33 for both the elementary and secondary science programs.A motion made by Boeve was seconded by Gary Esselink and approved by the board to accept the Scott Foresman K-12 Science Curriculum. The new texts will be used when students begin in the fall.In other school news:
The Minnesota House and Senate finished their regular sessions without making decisions on key educational policy. Minnesota governing bodies are meeting in a special session that began Tuesday at 12:01 a.m.When the special session closes, the H-BC School Board members will be able to see what kind of financial support they are going to receive from the state. Because a decision was not made to mandate a statewide start date during the regular session, the H-BC 2005-2006 school year at H-BC will begin and end according to the school calendar approved by the board on April 11.Students will return to school on Sept. 1, 2005. The year will end on May 25, 2006, with graduation services on May 26.
The board approved summer contracts for Laura Louwagie, Mary Mudder, Diane VandenHoek, Angie Blosmo and Sara Oldre as summer employees with the H-BC School District.Sara Oldre will act as Book of the Week Club coordinator and the remaining individuals will act as instructors.The Book of the Week Club is for children living in the H-BC area in sixth grade or younger. There are 90 students registered for the program that will meet on Wednesday mornings in June and July. Each week the program will have a new theme.Parents interested in signing up their children for this event can call Oldre at 673-2541.Funding for the event comes from Rock County Family Services, Sioux Valley Energy and the $25 registration fee.
The board approved summer contracts for Mary Mudder and Jil Vaughn for continuing special education and special needs services during summer vacation. This ensures these students do not regress during the summer months.Larson attends final meeting:Matt Larson attended his final school board meeting as a member of the board. Larson handed in his letter of resignation during the March 25 board meeting.Board members took turns thanking Larson for his service and dedication to the board during his tenure."Thanks for your public dedication, your time and your heart. I can honestly say the kids are better off because you where a board member," said Deragisch.Larson and his family have lived in Beaver Creek for several years, but they will be moving to Madison, S.D., in June. It was with a heavy heart that Larson finished his final meeting."I got more out of it than I put in," were his final words to the board before the meeting adjourned.His daughter Hailey, a H-BC sixth-grader, attended the meeting and treated board members to cake in honor of her father’s last meeting.The board has not approved anyone to fill the vacant seat on the board but put replacement of school board member on the agenda for their meeting on June 6.Policy News:H-BC School Board members heard the first reading of three policies. The board will vote to accept or deny the new versions of policy numbers 210, 211 and 213 at the board meeting on June 6.
Policy 210 addresses the conflict of interest issue when board members are providing a paid service to the school.The new version of the policy would not allow board members earnings from the school district to exceed $8,000 in one fiscal year. Board members receiving more than that amount would have a conflict of interest in serving on the board and would need to either step down from their position or stop working for the school.The original version of the policy limits
Policy 211 handles how districts respond to criminal or civil action against the district, board members, employees or students.The new version of this policy would be amended to include the words "juvenile justice" under the Criminal Charges or Conduct section of the policy.The addition of these words would give the school authority to release educational and personnel data to juvenile justice and law enforcement
Policy 213 mandates that school districts appoint board members to the following standing committees; finance, policy, building and grounds and negotiations.