L’view updated on state report cards

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

The Lincolnview Local Board of Education heard a presentation from second-grade teachers on a new math curriculum and also heard an update on state report cards from Superintendent Jeff Snyder during its August meeting held Tuesday in the Neubrecht Lecture Hall.

Teachers Tara Gustwiller, Dan Williamson and Brett Hammons gave a presentation on the new MyMath textbooks that will be used in the second-grade classes this school year. The new program will replace the Saxon Math textbooks used previously, and provides some added online technology bonuses for both teachers and students, as well as online quizzes and other information.

Hammons said having online activities that students can do on a smart board also provides some positive interactive learning tools for teachers to utilize.

“Kids learn best when they’re out of their seats,” Hammons said.

Williamson said the biggest advantage for the MyMath textbooks, versus the Saxon Math books, is the way the new curriculum makes it easy for teachers to incorporate Common Core standards, as well as providing teachers with an easier way to see where students need additional help.

New Elementary Principal Nita McKinney commended the teachers for getting the new textbooks ready for the upcoming school year and also thanked her staff for making her feel welcome. During her report, McKinney also noted that the school’s K-6 enrollment is currently at 464.

Snyder talked about the new state report card evaluations, noting that results he’s seen on five of the nine standards for this year looked good, but also added that he has no information on how the district did on the other four standards, which all deal with value-added standards.

While the superintendent said he is not sure what kind of grade Lincolnview will receive on the new state report card standards, he noted that he feels Lincolnview will see continued growth in its educational programs.

“We have made some great strides in a short period of time, despite what grade we may receive,” Snyder told board members, while adding that he thinks the emphasis from the state on student educational growth will benefit Lincolnview in the long run.

McKinney also reported on teacher training for the new Progress Book online communications system that would provide enhanced information on grades and other educational items between teachers, students and parents.

During his report, Lincolnview Treasurer Troy Bowersock noted that state aid was “flatlined” at $3.9 million for the coming school year, while also noting a 13-percent increase in healthcare insurance costs through the Van Wert Area Schools Insurance Group (VWASIG).

Bowersock said the health insurance increase is due to increasing costs in that area.

He did note, though, that expenses should remain lower than revenues in the near future.

The board also renewed its property and liability insurance through Phelan Insurance and Ohio Casualty Insurance Company for an annual premium of $36,671.

In other action, the board:

• Approved a list of open enrollment students for the coming year.
• Approved 2013-2014 kindergarten workbook and class fees.
• Approved bus routes for the 2013-2014 school year
• Accepted the state tuition rate of $3,673.71 per student for the upcoming school year.
• Approved the following unpaid volunteer coaches for the new school year: Adam Smith, girls’ soccer; Nick Adams, boys’ soccer; and Megan Evans, volleyball.
• Authorized a depository agreement with US Bank for the period from June 1, 2013, through May 31, 2018.
• Granted Kristy Ringwald a supplemental contract as yearbook advisor.
• Approved lists for substitute teachers and aides from the Western Buckeye Educational Service Center and for classified substitutes.
• Increased Susan Baer’s hours in the lunchroom from 5½ hours to 6 hours per day.
• Approved a resolution placing Lindsay McCoy of The Times-Bulletin and Dave Mosier of the Van Wert independent on the Ohio School Boards Association’s Media Honor Roll for their coverage of Lincolnview educational news.

The next meeting of the Lincolnview Local Board of Education will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 18.