Windham – Windham Board of Education (BOE) met recently with just enough members present for a quorum, two of the members were out ill. The meeting opened up with guest Amy Adams from Community Action Council (CAC). She explained that CAC received a three year grant and is conducting after-school enrichment classes with Windham students to improve reading, math and college readiness. They also offer some STEM activities. According to Adams, this is the second year of a three-year program. There are 8-15 students who regularly participate in the program. The program runs Monday through Thursday for three hours after school. CAC is using the same or equivalent curriculum that the school uses. They are offering more one-on-one teaching and hands-on experience as well. One of their classes is a technology class that has students building a computer. At the end of the technology class, the students will get to keep the computer. Besides being an educational support program for the kids, they also supply a snack daily for the participants and once a week a local church provides a meal for the participants.
Since the inception of the program, they have met ¾ of their goals, seen improved scores in math, reading and college readiness. They are just shy of reaching their goal of 90% parent involvement, but are closing in on that goal too. When the program ends, all materials will stay with the school. The grant is a three year grant and CAC is applying for a continuation so that the program that they have developed with the help of the school district will continue.
President Melissa Roubic reported that Aaron Blevins was a part of the Mars Rover Team working with NASA GLEN. The team built a robot and has competed in area competitions. Many of the competitions were against some STEM Schools and Windham schools came out on top of many of them.
The school held their Annual History Days and had 15 projects that will advance to compete at YSU.
Treasurer Sam Pochedley reported that the district was not awarded an equipment grant for the cafeteria. This happened last year too, but money eventually came through.
Jake Eye, Maintenance and Transportation Supervisor, reported that they are still behind on maintenance (due to an extended illness of one of their employees) but the hiring of Jeff McCune as a mechanic and district-wide position will lighten some of the work load and hopefully allow them to get caught up. He also stated that he has had several students who want to work over spring break. The work will be done through what was the former summer work program that now offers work to eligible students year round. Windham Schools participate in the work program. Eye also reported that they were updating the alarm system, changing a few locks and keeping their bus fleet rolling. The snow pusher they recently acquired was put to use immediately and cut plowing time in half.
In other BOE news, the board hired Sydney Hanzlik as Spanish teacher, offering her a one year contract.
Lastly, the president, the governor, and the Ohio General Assembly to prioritize the protection of students and staff by enacting legislation and funding to for the following:
1. Enhancing mental health services, including substance abuse, so all individuals will have access to these services.
2. Increase access to school safety measures, including but not limited to, School Resource Officers SRO’s, safety infrastructure and other safety measures designed to protect students and staff from an active shooter on the grounds.
3. Training for school employees and enhanced coordination with law enforcement and first responders to ensure appropriate responses to incidents of violence in schools
4. Preserving the balance between the right to own fire arms and the protection of students and staff from any acts of violence.
One will need to contact the school for a copy of the legislation, to read it in its entirety. This is just a paraphrase of it.
The BOE meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 in the Hanger at the High school.
