Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Prescott's school population on the rise

Members of the Prescott School Board were informed the of the district's growth, at its Dec. 18, meeting.

Superintendent Ron Wright said the student population has grown to 1,118

On a less pleasant note, Wright made the board aware of the school district will lose $92,000 due to the state cuts announced by Governor Mike Huckabee months ago. Wright said he thought the school district could lose as much as $112,000.

"We actually turned out better than I thought," he said. "We came out almost $22,000 better. Of course the cuts hurt but we managed to not get hit as hard as other districts."

Wright lauded the teachers's raise adding he was pleased to have helped to raise their salary.

He said the school district had a standing budget of $5,000,000. He said it was better than last year's budget at this time.

"Compared to last year, we are in good shape," said Wright.

Wright said the scoreboard and sound system were both in operational order and would take a the group over to the new gymnasium to take a look. He said the construction was going well and it looks as if the new building was going to be ready for the next school semester.

Pearl Bailey, president of PDEA (Prescott District Education Association), thanked the board for the pay increase and mentioned that PDEA, as well as the teachers were satisfied.

The 2001-2002 Prescott High School Chapter of the FCCLA (Future Community and Career Leaders Association) [formerly known as FHA or Future Homemakers of America] gave a presentation of their trip to Nashville, Tenn. The group attended the annual meeting of the national organization called the FCCLA Cluster Meeting.

The keynote speaker was Ben Glenn and closed the event with an inspirational message on how to build a better world. The group spoke of the meetings and workshops that were attended and the phenomenal speakers they had on hand.

Linda Benton, district school teacher, led a group of young women to the function. Four chaperones went along on the trip to assist Benton.

The local FCCLA went along with a similar group out of Hope, Arkansas by bus. The local members were: Latia Welch, Jumilya Anthony, Lasonya Hopson, Ladonna Mitchell, Dominique Smith, Cecily Young, Calandra Mitchell, Brittany Williams, Lakeshia Buford, and Ashley Gulley.

Welch, local chapter president, presented the board with a presentation documenting their time preparing for and attending the event.

Along with Welch were: Lasonya Hopson, Jumilya Anthony, Ashley Gulley and Ladonna Mitchell.

The young women explained to the school board what they learned and what an enriching experience it was to learn better dynamics of recruitment, recognition of potential members and how to retain current members.

They also concentrated on community involvement, leadership skills and public relations.

The Block Schedule Committee met with the board about the discussion of block scheduling. Hyacinth Deon, curriculum director for the district, said the faculty and parents making up the committee could not come to a clear decision on what would be best for the students.

Because of this, two different recommendations were submitted to the board.

"The teachers thoughts are the students were unmotivated in learning and however you design the program could give the same results," said Deon. "Given the changing times and low desire from the students, the teachers didn't feel scheduling was a problem."

She later said seniors at the high school generally take electives and want to have a relaxing year before graduating and heading off to college or the work force.

Robin Nygaard, parent member of the Block Schedule Committee and pastor of the Presbyterian Church, said college bound students are not prepared under the current system.

"There are proven gaps in math and science," said Nygaard.

A concern for some parents was the thought of their children not getting the best education the district can provide.

Nygaard said, "One of the problems is developing a flexible schedule; one where the teachers and parents will both be satisfied. We need to remember that our high school students are still children. We need to figure out a comfortable compromise."

The board was split on the issue, and decided to hold off on making an official public decision.

There were a few bids mentioned. Wright said there is a need for matting on the floor for the cheerleaders and in the weight area. He had found an inexpensive foam with a 15-year warranty he would like the board to approve and purchase.

"It's the most inexpensive material I could find and still be safe. The board will purchase it and Mr. Webb has agreed to install it," said Wright. "The project will be right under or around $10,000, that's including installation. We still have got to have four other bids."

Wright said the city would pave three parking lot areas around the school. The board approved spending up to $58,000 on the project.

Wright said two books were being donated to the Elementary Library in honor of Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs. Compton. Hamilton had "Addy Story Collection" dedicated in her honor and Compton had "Kit's Story" dedicated in hers.

The board also approved one student's expulsion for the remainder of the school year for bringing a weapon to school.

The student can return after the first of the year. He was charged in juvenile court and will be placed on probation upon his return.

Wright said 16 students were randomly tested for drugs and all came back negative.

Finally, the new gymnasium will be opened on January 4, for its first game the Prescott Curley Wolves will take on the Gurdon Go-Devils.