| By Dianne Weaver
Tonight's school board meeting has at least four issues that have raised public concern.
Director of Curriculum Greg Cartwright will report to the board how county schools fared on the WESTEST.
The board will vote yea or nay on Cartwright's proposal to eliminate the high school having a valedictorian and salutatorian, which is being opposed by some community residents.
Cartwright says the elimination of the top honors has been growing across the USA, replacing it with recognition of the top percentage of the class.
Arnoldsburg resident Kelley Houchin says such a policy change gives the wrong message to students who are challenged to excel academically.
Houchin says the school is already doing a good job recognizing the top academic achievers.
See Herald story 8/12/05.
A decision is expected tonight by the board whether to continue the cross-county sport at the school, including the hiring of a coach.
At last month's meeting the board put on hold the elimination of the cross-country program, following a discussion of its economics and lack of participation.
Cross-country supporters asked for time to overcome the school's concerns about the program, including recruiting new participants.
Cross-country supporter Gaylen Duskey says "We have high hopes the board will allow the sport to continue this year," saying there are 14 kids now involved in training.
Perhaps the most volatile issue for the board will be hearing the concerns of Arnoldsburg parents over the hiring of Dr. John Rizzo as the principal of their school. (See Herald stories 8/15/05-8/13/05)
Other policy changes up for a vote are related to abolishing "testing out."
Contracts are to be approved for Linqua-Care - Speech Therapy; Henry Bussey - Psychological Services;
Camden Clark Hospital - Occupational Therapy;
Roane General Hospital - Physical Therapy and contract bus runs.
Other issues on the agenda involve home-school requests, Parent Resource Center contracts, student transfers and early releases.
There will be a vote to make an exception to the attendance policy.
A number of personnel decisions will be made.
The next board meeting is September 19.
| 
