School keeps up with tech needs
Highlighting the technology purchases made with mill levy override funds this year, Holyoke School District Technology Coordinator Perry Ingram gave an update from his department at the Oct. 1 school board meeting.
Five uninterruptable power supply devices were installed in Holyoke JR/SR High and four in Holyoke Elementary School, and a backup generator was installed on the JR/SR high roof.
Superintendent Kyle Stumpf said the generator backs up IT, but it’s big enough that it could provide additional help if needed elsewhere. He added that they will run the generator periodically to make sure it’s working.
Ingram cited that 100 Lenovo 300e Chromebooks were ordered and set up for students, and 75 HP Chromebook 14s were purchased and set up for all staff members.
The staff models include a little bigger screen, and they allow teachers to be mobile so they can move around the room with their Chromebooks.
Additionally, the district purchased two interactive Promethean panels and two TV panels to demo with teachers to find the best fit for the district. Stumpf said they’re looking at grants to potentially add to mill levy moneys for this future advancement.
Professional development for teachers was conducted, including info on Infinite Campus, NWEA and Google. Holyoke Elementary School Principal Andrea Kammer said that Ingram spent a couple of days with the staff to answer questions, and it was very beneficial.
Ingram also noted that 450 repair tickets have been completed in the last two months.
Preliminary numbers for October count look good
Reflecting on the start of the Sept. 25-Oct. 9 window for student count for school funding, Stumpf reported that the numbers look good.
The actual seat count of students is up by about 25, and it is estimated that per pupil funding could increase more than $100 per student from what was budgeted for.
Exact figures will be available after the close of the count period, Stumpf added.
District selected for Home Grown Initiative grant
Holyoke was one of eight school districts from 18 applicants selected recently for a Home Grown Initiative grant that was submitted by business teacher and FBLA adviser Lori Nelson.
Stumpf said the gist of the grant is looking at methods and ways for alternative pathways for kids to exit high school. Feedback from the Holyoke community about what they want from Holyoke graduates will be key.
A partnership will be created with local businesses and the school district. “We’re excited about the opportunity,” Stumpf said.
BOCES benefits detailed
Stumpf and board members Jon Kleve and Summer Maloney reported on the Sept. 23 BOCES all-board retreat.
Referencing the budget book, Stumpf detailed the value-added equity for being part of BOCES for 2018-19.
Holyoke School District paid $84,000 for the year’s BOCES membership. Comparative costs for services provided if the district hired them individually would be about $340,000. Additional services for professional development/training for various things amounted to $38,000.
Kleve appreciated the gallery walk of 10-12 positions, where they were able to see what BOCES does and who is in those positions such as physical therapist, school nurse, psychologist and more. Maloney added that it was nice to meet the personnel and hear about the new things they’re implementing.
Other business
In other business at the Oct. 1 meeting, the school board:
— Noted the district received the updated master facility plan book from the Neenan Company. Stumpf called it a roadmap for short-term and long-term goals.
— Approved nonresident student applications and transportation requests for Jose Emiliano Susano and Camila Susano from the Wray School District.
— Looked at revisions for Colorado Association of School Boards policies on safeguarding personal identifying information, English language learners, admission and denial of admission, and extracurricular activity elgibility.
— Gave first reading approval for CASB policies on resignation of instructional staff/administrative staff, school-related student publications, and public concerns and complaints.
— Approved second reading and repeal of current policies on the topics of walkers and riders, professional staff recruiting/hiring, support staff recruiting/hiring and immunization of students.
— Acknowledged classified staff and principals by proclaiming Oct. 14-18 as Classified School Employees Week and the month of October as National Principals Month.