Northeastern: School preparations going well

Northeastern Wayne Schools has made significant progress on hiring and preparing buildings, grounds and buses for a new school year, Superintendent Jennifer O’Brien said.

NWS will start school a week later than last year. Back-to-school night will be Monday, Aug. 10, and students’ first day is Wednesday, Aug. 12.

O’Brien updated the board on several topics during its July 15 meeting. She said they’re prepared to welcome several outstanding educators and support staff.

The administration also worked on reallocating office staff duties. O’Brien recommended the addition of a front-desk clerical to serve both the middle and high school, which the board approved 4-0. Kim Claypoole was absent.

Work continues on Northeastern High School’s masonry. The gym will reopen on schedule when school begins, but cosmetic and roof work will continue.

The old baseball tower has been removed, and track paving will take place this week.

Additional sections of home and away bleachers are expected to arrive the first week of school.

Meeting change

Noting schedule and event conflicts, the board decided to permanently move its meetings to 6 p.m. the third Tuesday each month, starting Aug. 18. One exception will be Oct. 13, which is a week earlier to avoid fall break.

Personnel

• Hires: Kristen Soots, NHS math teacher; Wanda Shelly and Kayla Bloomfield, Northeastern Early Learning Center morning latchkey; Josh Smith, workplace specialist- photography
• Departures: Jamie Worden, NELC instructional assistant; Rachel Bales, NHS administrative assistant; Lisa Baxter, homebound tutoring; Alyssa Wysong, NHS counselor
• Transfers: Mark Hinkey, from dean of students to NMS assistant principal; Jessica Chasteen, from part-time custodian to NES head custodian; Anna Kolb, from substitute to part-time NELC instructional assistant; Grace Summers, from NELC teaching assistant floater to NELC substitute; Heather Smith, from attendance administrative assistant to NHS administrative assistant

In other business

• Several policy revisions were discussed and moved to a second reading at a future meeting. Topics include board consent agenda, executive sessions, administrator dress and appearance, superintendent employment, educational outcomes and educational outcome goals, curriculum development, mandatory curriculum, field and other corporation-sponsored trips, educational options, and flexible school program.
• Board president Shawntel Baker encouraged board members to attend and promote Fountain City’s community meeting on Aug. 18. It will help the town apply for a grant to update playground equipment and other park equipment.
• The board approved a correction to the employee benefits handbook and removed old textbook and technology fee language from NHS’ handbook.
• Several fundraisers were approved, including a Barn Yard Bash Dance, movie night, fake tattoos and glitter, spirit wear sales, and discount cards.
• Also that evening, NWS conducted an executive session to discuss strategy related to initiation of litigation or litigation that’s pending or threatened in writing, and a job performance evaluation of individual employees.