By Jolene FarleyAt a Monday meeting, the Hills-Beaver Creek School Board discussed reviewing the district’s policy on the use of the deficiency list for struggling students.Superintendent Dave Deragisch opened discussion about whether the policy should be examined or re-evaluated. "I think we have some students that are afraid to go out for an activity," Deragisch said. Students and parents are informed weekly if students are falling behind in coursework. Those on the list are identified by a number, rather than by name. Only the student, his or her parents and the teacher are supposed to know when a student is on the list.The district’s current policy is that students on the deficiency list aren’t allowed to participate in extracurricular activities. Until recently, those on the list weren’t allowed to suit up for sporting events. Deragisch recently changed this policy after consulting the school’s attorney. Students are now allowed to choose whether or not they suit up, but they aren’t allowed to play until they are removed from the list.Board member Lois Leuthold voiced her opinion on the matter. "Right now, I think we really have to re-evaluate. Are we helping the students or are we hurting their self-esteem?" she said. "I really truly believe it takes our kid’s self-esteem down."She pointed out that some students may never make the grade, and sports may be the only area they excel. The board asked high school teacher Teri Richards how teachers use the deficiency list. Each teacher uses the list a little differently because there has never been a set policy, according to Richards. Richards also pointed out that students on the deficiency list aren’t required to get extra help. She said she has never had anyone attend study table, an after school study group. The board discussed mandating study table for students on the list. Deragisch expressed concern that the district could be required to provide transportation for the students required to stay after school hours. "I really think we have to examine this from the inside out," said board member Ann Boeve. "I guess I would like to see a committee formed. I think we need to dissect it … we need to really look at it and make sure every aspect is benefiting the student."Students in the seventh through the ninth grades are at the highest risk. Some struggle in the transition from elementary to middle school, then middle school to high school. "They kind of fall, they filter on through to the bottom," Richards said. "The focus needs to be on what we can do to help those kids." Richards doesn’t think district standards should be relaxed. "I really think the key is accountability," she said.The board decided to form a committee to explore the issue further. Renting the elementary school to New Life ChurchThe board agreed to rent the Beaver Creek Elementary School gymnasium, commons and some classrooms to New Life Celebration Church for Sunday services.Four members of the church attended the meeting at the invitation of the board. Since the issue was first proposed at the Sept. 27 meeting, Deragisch contacted other districts currently renting their facilities to churches."When I talked to the three other schools, none of them have had a problem," said Deragisch. He said renting to churches is a way to help new churches start. They increase their equity and parishioners with the hope of building their own church someday. The first topic of discussion was snow and ice removal. Currently, a custodian isn’t on duty on weekends, unless there is an event scheduled at the school. "I don’t see any problem with us taking care of that ourselves," said church representatives. "If it’s too bad, we won’t have church."Deragisch pointed out that the floors in the gymnasium and commons area would be unavailable for a few weeks during the summer while they are being waxed."We can work around that, if we know the dates," church representatives said. The rental agreement charges a fee of $15 for the commons, $40 for the gym and $18 for the media room. An additional $27 would be added to defray additional heating expense.The group hopes to use the facility for some special services during the Lenten and Advent seasons. Weddings are usually performed at established churches for aesthetic purposes.Board member Lloyd DeBoer expressed concern about not having someone familiar with the heating system on duty. Board member Gary Esselink asked about liability in case there was an accident. Church officials assured Esselink the church carries liability insurance. The motion carried to lease the facility to New Life Celebration Church for $100 per use. DeBoer was the only dissenting vote. Student assistantThe board discussed hiring a part-time student assistant for the middle and high school. Deragisch suggested the student assistant could help smooth the transition from the elementary school to the middle school for students. When students enter the seventh grade, the only help they receive is from the classroom teacher. Some students may need more individualized attention, according to Deragisch. He said the district could use grant money intended to fund new and innovative programs to pay for the new position. The district has more students that don’t qualify for special education funding but who need help to keep up in the classroom."The need is definitely there," Deragisch said.
