Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

ALE To Be Considered Again, Officers Elected

The Prescott School Board met last Thursday, October 26, for the first time after three new board members were elected in the September elections, and in one run-off race.

Jim Franks was elected president of the board while George Odom was tabbed as vice-president. Willie Marks was named secretary.

The board studied superintendent reports and reviewed the completion of an recent audit.

Superintendent Don Johnston reported the district was complimented for its bookkeeping except for problems in the food service department (see related story on front page).

The auditors reported three problems in the food service account, those being unauthorized disbursements, unreceipted revenues and general accounting deficiencies.

Johnston reported the proper procedures were in place now within the district.

The board heard a series of reports from Hyacinth Deon on block scheduling, Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) planning committee and equity compliance.

Deon reported the problems and goals of block scheduling had been discussed in a committee made up from students and faculty.

She said the ALE committee met and had ideas about the type of system needed (one is required by the state).

She said the In School Suspension (ISS) was different from the way the state wanted the ALE set. ALE is traditionally for students who are at risk in failing or dropping out of school.

Deon said students were identified for ALE by their ISS behavior, age and level of working the student is on.

The district received an $11,000 grant from the state for an ALE class.

Suggestions for the class include a G.E.D. and job based training curriculum.

If the district reopens the ALE classroom, it could open up off campus.

A plan by the district will be needed before long in order to remain in compliance with standards.

The district went into executive session and upon returning accepted the resignations of Lucy Hopson and Pam Edmonson. They also hired Denise Smilie.