Dist. 300 Approves Seven-Period Schedule at DHS for 2011-2012

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Du Quoin Board of Education Thursday voted to abandon what's known as the "Block 4" class schedule and reinstate a seven-period class schedule used years ago. The vote came after a lengthy discussion that involved fears of the unknown.

Some of those fears have to do with textbook costs and state testing. The entire concept will be discussed next week. The new schedule--to begin in the 2011-2012 school year--will broaden course offerings and shorten class periods.

DEA representative Jean Ann Mathis and parent Jana Kuhnert both weighed in with no bias toward either schedule.

The board approved the transfer of Lea Ann Templeton to a Middle School Language Arts position (upper level) and Jason James to a Middle School Social Students (7th grade) position next year. The board also granted a maternity leave of absence request to Denise Woodsides to tentatively begin May 12.

The board authorized district architect Paul Lunsford to solicit bids for the news DHS main academic building which is part of the district's $18 million DHS construction project. Attorney Jerry Smith was authorized to discuss any construction zoning issues with city and county officials.

The board adopted an updated district food allergy policy that adheres to state law.

The board approved the following extra-curricular positions for the current year: Roger Craft as DHS assistant boys' track coach and Jeromie Morgan as DHS assistant boys baseball coach.

The board also acknowledged the strong evaluation results for superintendent Dr. Gary Kelly and stated that all of his goals and indicators have been met.