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R-2 Board Studies Long-Term Issues The Chillicothe School Board held a special meeting and work session Tuesday at the administration building where school board members, along with new superintendent, Dr. Linda Gray Smith, discussed goals to be set for the upcoming school term. The meeting began with a new mission and vision statement by Dr. Smith that states: The Chillicothe R-2 School District’s mission is to provide a comprehensive educational program encompassing pre-Kindergarten through grade twelve and post secondary education, meeting the needs of each student by providing the opportunity to succeed in school and graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a productive member of society. All members agreed on the statements. The most addressed topic of the meeting were the future plans of the Chillicothe School District’s facilities for the next 25 years. Short term goals included a new facility to house early education. Talks of moving early education to the north campus were discussed along with funding concerns for the project. The board felt strongly that this issue needs to be addressed promptly, whereas the current facility, Garrison School, is in need of major repairs. The most important idea, was getting the early education students out of Garrison into a newer, more sound facility. Another short term goal, in the board’s five year plans, was the possibility of either rebuilding, refurbishing or moving the current Jerry Litton Stadium. Board members agreed that doing something about the stadium was necessary. However, some believed that the stadium was in good enough shape, with minor repairs, could remain in it’s current location. The main theme of the facilities discussion was movement towards the north campus. Future goals of the board included a new vo ag building, which is currently pending the governors signature, within the next couple of years. The board also agreed that within the next year, a committee should be formed and made up of community members. Dr. Smith stated, “There is always someone who will know more than us.” She said that with the community involved, everyone would benefit from having more than one outlook. Some of the 15-year goals touched on by the board included a new middle school and/or a new elementary school. The main concern about the middle school was the old high school section in the center of the building. Talks of tearing the structure down and refurbishing were discussed, along with a possible movement of elementary schools into one complex at the north campus facility were also touched on. A new elementary complex including all elementary and title and early childhood all in one building was discussed as a possibility within the next 25-years. The board also discussed goals for staff as well. The board's goal is to maintain a highly qualified staff of teachers and uncertified staff for the school district. They discussed how to recruit and retain these teachers by providing them with a competitive salary, a positive workplace, a more involved monitoring system, as well as support. Finance was also discussed. The board spoke about short term goals that included having an 18 percent reserve set back. They also talked about using the levy currently available. Plans to increase the technology budget were also an item on the agenda. Dr. Smith stated that the most important thing concerning the budget, was that the board needed to maintain financial responsibility. Dr. Smith stated to the board that she believed that the board represents the community and the needs and wants of the community. And that when goals are being set, that they must always remember and act on the better interests of those citizens. The Tuesday meeting was a goal setting meeting. Any formal goals and agendas will be officially set at the July board meeting. |
