Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

School Should Break Even

Superintendent Bobby Smithson is "optimistic about breaking even, everything looks good," after the first installment of revenue, $38,431.95 is received.

At the May school board meeting Smithson stated in materials provided, "We should catch up by the end of this year."

The school is working with a total amount budgeted from Amendment 2 in the amount of $195,715 for 2001. This leaves a difference of $157,283.05 yet to be received.

Once again the teacher-approved calendar for the 2001-2002 school year was not approved by the board members. Smithson presented a "compromise" calendar of his own to the board.

"My position has not changed, but I won't make a big issue of my feelings," he said in prepared materials furnished. At the meeting, Smithson authoritatively spoke to the board members with information on his alternative calendar. "I think this is a fair compromise, ADE provides the teachers with four days instead of the five they requested," he stated.

ACSIP is a comprehensive plan for school improvement where the State Department of Education allows five days without students for teachers to prepare for school-wide evaluations. These days would replace the once-a-month early dismissals from this school year.

A required letter and approval by the ADE must be in place for the school to use these days.

Norman Montgomery and his son appeared before the board again to present a disagreement with Cabe Middle School principal Jeff Alexander. The board heard Montgomery, but commented they were not there to make judgments as this was not an official hearing. Basically, unless Montgomery wishes or is able to file an official complaint on his son's behalf, the matter is closed.

Scores from the recent battery of standardized tests on several grades were received and presented at the meeting. Gurdon Primary School's third grade showed the most improvement and highest scores. Their scores were at or above the 50 percentile.

The third grade entirely enjoyed a reward of extra recess time and an ice cream party on Friday, May 25. Rusty Manning's third grade class showed the best improvement and highest scores overall. They were rewarded with a picnic lunch and time at the Gurdon City Park on Wednesday, May 23.

Students in middle and high school grades didn't show as much improvement overall. But one of their teachers stood up for them, noting that the students did take two lengthy standardized tests back-to-back in a short period of time.