Bureau Valley School Board MANLIUS

Bureau Valley

School Board

MANLIUS — The Bureau Valley School Board took action on the following items at its meeting Jan. 17:

• Heard from Terrie Landwehr, Regional Office of Education’s 21st Century Grant coordinator for Bureau Valley High School. Landwehr supervises the program which provides a daily after-school academic study and enrichment opportunity for high school students. Acting Principal Eric Lawson said he is pleased to see a continuing increase in participants who appreciate the extra study help; after-school transportation is also provided to all regular shuttle stops in the district.

• Heard a report from the Curriculum Committee. Rick Cernovich discussed ACT math scores that have improved; recommended that AP exams are not needed; after review, recommended that summer Honors English optional coursework be allowed; added RtI English and RtI Math to the curriculum guide, and discussed a possible additional freshman class in study skills/time management.

• Heard from the Finance Committee that public feedback is needed on the budget. Superintendent John Bute is providing projected budget figures to the committee and full board, and they will hold open discussion at next month’s meeting regarding issuing bonds, program enhancements, budget cuts, etc. The committee met twice to discuss the district’s current budget situation and to make plans for future budgets. The district is looking at a budget deficit for a few years due to decreasing revenue.

• Heard the Building and Grounds Committee has met weekly with the general contractor and subcontractors. The central office construction is on target, and completion is expected the last week of January. An open house will be announced after the move-in.

• Heard Bureau Valley South Principal Denise Bolin thank the foundation and PTO for providing smartboards for classrooms and iPads for students; Bureau Valley North Principal Gina Hall said her staff is utilizing portable mapping and announced their junior high musical to be held March 2.

• Heard from Lawson that 25 seniors visited Walnut Manor before Christmas to visit and play games with residents.

• Heard the Bureau Valley Foundation Drawdown is scheduled for March 24 at Arnie’s.

• Heard from Curriculum Director James Wilson that he will be working with the English Department on summer coursework.