Parts of District 300 ‘Report Card' Mirror Recession; Board Grants Maternity Leave

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Illinois Board of Education's newest report card on Du Quoin schools said that upwards of 50 percent of the district's student body now qualifies for free or reduced lunches, which mirrors the worsening plight of families in Southern Illinois.

The report card also states that the Du Quoin's per student spending for education is $1,200 below the state average and all operating costs combined are $2,500 per student below the state average.

Superintendent Dr. Gary Kelly said the Du Quoin district continues to do more with less as the state's school aid situation remains unchanged.

Other items on the report card show there are middle school ISAT testing improvements. There were gains in 5th and 8th grade reading and improvements in math scores in the 8th grade. The elementary scores improved 3rd grade reading and 3rd grade math. At the high school, there were gains in math, but scores in reading remained the same with a slight drop in high school science scores.

Kelly shared with the boards plans to study the new 1-to-1 technology program which puts more laptaps and electronic work pads into the hands of students.

Kelly reporting on construction progress at the Du Quoin High School. The work on the industrial education building is progressing on schedule. Renovations have begun in the gym including demolition on the east end where a new visitors locker room will go. That will be followed by the start of renovations in R.P. Hibbs Auditorium as soon as the curtain closes on the current musical planned for this weekend. Portable classrooms are in place, waiting on Ameren to connect power to the buildings.

The district is working with teachers to fine tune plans for the main academic building, as well.

The FY 2010 District audit was presented by Don Hoffman of Emling and Hoffman, District auditors. The audit showed no errors and preliminary the District will achieve financial recognition in accordance with the State Board of Education financial profile program. The Board adopted the audit as presented.

The Board approved a change in the regular November Board of Education meeting due to meeting conflict. The regular November Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, November 15, 2010 beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The Board granted a request from Sarah Geiger a high school teacher, for maternity leave to tentatively begin in February.