| By Bob Weaver
School administrator Carla Taylor reviewed the latest Westest scores with board members at Monday's meeting, showing improvements in some areas, but failing to meet standards in others.
Significant shortcomings remained in math, reading and language at Calhoun Middle-High School.
Calhoun High School failed to meet the graduation rate. "That is a real concern," Taylor said.
Board member Steve Whited said "The numbers are headed in the right direction.
CM-HS has failed to meet Average Yearly Progress and has been the subject of two state audits that indicate a number of shortcomings.
While several state school systems are reporting financial trouble, the Calhoun system is yet to raise money problems. Roane County recently reported a $300,000 shortfall, while other systems have cut travel to events.
CONCERNED ABOUT FINANCIAL REPORT
Board president Cynthia Dale asked superintendent Lynch why the systems annual (2007-08) financial report was not done, to be placed in the newspaper.
Lynch said the new financial officer is still learning the ropes. Patricia Riddle said "I'm working on it [report], but it is taking longer than expected," apologizing for the delay.
Riddle said she hoped to get the statement completed by the end of October.
PRIDE SURVEY REVIEWED
Calhoun Middle-High School principal Karen Kirby reviewed the Pride Survey with board members, saying she was startled to learn that kids start using tobacco and drinking alcohol at age 10, indicating prevention efforts should start earlier.
Kirby said the survey clearly shows that most alcohol, drug and tobacco use happens in the evenings after school, on the weekends generally with friends at their houses or cars.
Regarding a disturbing violence indicator which had 24 students saying they carried a gun to school, Kirby questioned that information, indicating she believed students misinterpreted the question.
Kirby said CM-HS is working with RESA-V to increase drug and alcohol education, saying "We are seeing some drop."
See Calhoun Students Exhibit Risky Behavior
The board approved policies related to work-based learning, grading and graduation requirements, but postponed the approval of revised policies related to bullying, harassment, intimidation, religious-ethnic harassment, racial and sexual harassment, violence and hazing.
Frank Tetrick gave a report on the progress at Pleasant Hill Elementary, saying the work on the design is being completed and will be submitted for bid in December. The project is a major repair of the school's sewage system, and will be completed by school year 2009.
Regular School Board Minutes
Special School Board Minutes
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