Schools

Lakeland Board of Education Gives an Update on Progress Before School Starts

During their August 19 meeting, board members moved quickly through the agenda.

The Lakeland Board of Education met on August 19 and quickly moved through business on the agenda.

Members passed a bond resolution approving the purchase of various vehicles. The estimated total cost for the nine vehicles is $392,000, and therefore authorized the issuance of $392,000 serial bonds to finance the purchases. The principal and interest of the serial bonds would be paid off through a tax, collected in annual installments.

According to the district, the 2010-2011 vehicle replacement plan includes the purchase of three 28-passenger vans, at an estimated cost of $55,000; three 20-passenger vans, at an estimated cost of $49,000; and two 27-passenger suburban vehicles, at $40,000 each.

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"We've always caught up fairly well," Assistant Superintendent for Business Ray Morningstar said.

The board also passed a resolution on the use of personal electronic devices at school. The wording of electronic devices changed because now kids use more than just a cell phone as we know it- they use Blackberries, IPhones, and IPads for example.

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"It wasn't a predominately large issue," Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Jean Miccio said of students using personal electronic devices at the middle school where she was the principal until July 1 before taking on the new position.

Students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade would not be allowed to use any personal electronic communication devices. Students in grades 9-12 are permitted to bring communication devices, as long as they are turned off during class.

The school board also approved a tax warrant. BOE President Elizabeth Kogler said that the seven board members live in town and therefore, they too were increasing their own taxes, when voting on the matter.

Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, Mary Ellen Herzog spoke about the Pioneer Dinner, which Lakeland High School hosted for 10 special education athletic teams from the around the county in the spring. LHS seniors were "enthusiastic" about fundraising for the event, she said. In addition, a 2009 graduate, who works as a DJ, donated his time and provided entertainment.

"It was a life changing event," Herzog said.

She then discussed the many summer activities that took place, including special education.

She also applauded the Universal Pre-Kingerdarten Program, offered by the District. An education video about the program can be found on the District's website.

Ray Morningstar said the District would put out a bid for an award for an outdoor freezer, to be placed outside of Copper Beech Middle School, which will save money to the District in different ways. The freezer would be installed in the fall.

Other improvements would include replacing the lights in the gym at three elementary schools, replacing of the lights outside of Walter Panas High School, and the pavements at Ben Franklin and Copper Beech have already been completed.

After trying to get it for years, the board announced that the District will now offer a distance learning class between Lakeland High School and Walter Panas High School, where Spanish 5 will be taught via a video conference. 

The Board of Education will hold a work session on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

The Superintendent's Conference Day is on September 1, which is the first day back for staff. The first day of instruction is September 2. 


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