In other high-school news, site clearing began on April 3 for the new high school. Approximately 18 acres have been cleared. The logging and clearing work is complete, and the contractor is currently completing erosion control measures and stripping topsoil. With summer weeks away, the board recommended a motion to hold summer school from July 9 through August 2, a start date later than in past years so that teachers and students will be more refreshed after a three-week break and students will need less review in the fall. In years past, all four schools have been utilized for summer sessions.
Money matters The board recommended approval of a change in the proposed teacher salary schedule.
The board agreed that the difference in cost can be offset by various savings in related fringe benefits and routine staffing turnovers. Another issue was the health insurance family plan in which both employees work for the school division. The cost is covered in budget projections. National School Board Conference Kelly Kain presented information she brought back from National School Board Association Annual Conference. Kain shared quotes by Former Secretary of State Madeline Al-bright, National Teacher of the Year Marilyn Jachetti Whirry and NSBA Executive Director Anne L. Bryant.