Jay to try pilot

A program that would allow foreign students to take classes toward a dual diploma will get a test run.
Jay School Board approved Monday to implement a pilot program to test the feasibility of Chinese students taking online classes through Jay School Corporation.
The board also held a public hearing on its 2015 budget, discussed enrollment numbers and approved several policies.
Jay Schools superintendent Tim Long reported to the board about a meeting last week with other school officials and representatives from China, who said they are still interested in the possibility of a dual diploma. They suggested a pilot class to test the feasibility of such a program.
Board member Ron Laux expressed concerns about added workload for school staff, but Jay Classroom Teachers Association president Paul Szymczak, who was in attendance, said the burden for a pilot class of 10 to 15 students would be minimal. Others also expressed concerns, but agreed such a program is worth testing.
“’We’ve put in all the background work and the money and the effort to getting to this point,” said board member Greg Wellman. “Someday somebody is going to do it. I’d hate to see two years from now that some other corporation is doing something we decided not to do.”
“As long as it pays back,” responded Laux.
“I’d be in favor of the pilot,” said board member Larry Paxson. “Then they can come back with the update … and we can make a decision on whether we want to go on with it or not.”
Board members Beth Krieg, Mike Shannon, Mike Masters, Kristi Betts, Wellman, Paxson and Laux unanimously approved the pilot program, which will involve students from China taking classes through the school’s Plato online learning program.
The board held a public hearing on its proposed $37.1 million budget with just one citizen offering comment.
Paula Confer suggested cost-saving measures such as not having air conditioning in some buses and cutting back on capital projects.
Adoption of the budget is slated for the board’s Sept. 15 meeting.
Long told the board the first week of school went well, adding that efforts are being made to adjust some class sizes.
Some classes (second and fourth grades at Redkey Elementary and third grade at Pennville Elementary) have just 12 students while both fifth grade classes at General Shanks Elementary have 28. In some cases, parents are being asked if they would be willing to have their child bused to another school in order to help even out the numbers.
Board members also approved updated policies regarding weapons, personal communication devices and wellness.
The weapons policy was updated to bring it in line with a new state law that allows firearms on school property if they are kept in a locked vehicle and out of sight. Other policy updates included discouraging use of personal communication devices, such as cell phones, while driving as well as encouraging the promotion of healthy eating and exercise habits.
In other business, the board:
•Hired Dawn Alicea (TAP Room instruction assistant), Emily Funk (special education teacher), Garry Munday (technology specialist), Lisa Fisher (instructional assistant) and Richard Raines (custodian) and transferred Jane Martin (instructional assistant) to split her time between Bloomfield and Pennville elementary schools.
•Accepted the resignation of Cassandra Byrum (JCHS head cook), Jennifer Harris (JCHS PVE sponsor), Jane Prescott (Redkey Elementary Just Say No sponsor) and Cathy Franks (Redkey yearbook sponsor), and approved leaves of absence for Gina Brockman, Holly Johnson, Danielle Newell and James Lugar.
•Contracted with Susan Johnsonbaugh for speech and language services at a cost of $328 per day.
•Made the following extra-curricular assignments: JCHS — James Myers (assistant athletics director), Pete Vogler (assistant band director), C.J. Yoder (musical director), Deb Sutton (PVE sponsor), Amber Detro (Earth Watch co-sponsor), Dennis Rowell (Earth Watch co-sponsor); Redkey Elementary — Jenny Outcult (yearbook sponsor), Cathy Franks (student council sponsor), Whitney Whitehair (cheer sponsor) and Betsi Skiver (Just Say No sponsor); Judge Haynes Elementary — Jeff Heller (Just Say No sponsor).
•Approved leasing West Jay Community Center for use for practices, games and other events for six months at a monthly rate of $1,300.
•Reviewed 2014 finances that are projected to break even at year’s end.