Marion-Florence USD 408 looks into technology updates years ago
Sports reporter
Agri-Science/Applied Technology Education committee chairman and Marion High School teacher Mark Meyer presented information Monday to Marion-Florence USD 408 board of education on technology improvements.
Meyer's first presentation talked about expanding the eighth grade curriculum in the current tech lab at the Hill School.
Meyer said the expansion would accommodate large incoming classes and allow classes to expand to a full 18-week semester instead of a 12-week class.
He also said the additions would provide students with more hands-on experience, improve their technical reading skills, and help with career choices by showing them how math and science concepts are integrated into many technology-related fields.
The lab currently consists of 11 modules: animation, auto explorations, biotechnology, computer graphic design, computer problem solving, controls and sensors, desktop publishing, electronic music, engineering and stress, environmental module, and flight simulation.
The addition would add three new modules: computer numeric control, computer service and repair, and digital video editing.
Adding three modules would cost approximately $16,135. USD 408 superintendent Lee Leiker said it has been several years since the lab was updated, and for the board to take the next month to look into the proposal.
In addition to the prior costs, Meyer said his committee asked the board to help keep the modules current by allowing for a $5,000 per year expense to AATE, as well as purchasing materials for the class to build CO2 cars instead of purchasing the entire module.
Meyer then talked to the board about instituting a new Construction Technology class that would teach students, particularly high school seniors, the various phases of home construction.
Leiker said the long-term goal of the course would be for students to work with local contractors and receive hands-on experience in home construction.
The board looked at a DVD portion of the building skills curriculum offer by Paxton/Patterson. The program would cost $45,000 though Paxton/Patterson, but Leiker said while it is a great program, it would not have to be the one chosen if this course was accepted.
Meyer mentioned part of the cost would come from the $14,000 per year the district would save because it would not have to transport students to the Newton Area Technical School. The course also would qualify as VE2 (Vocational Educational) and receive additional funding.
He said the program would help students in the areas of carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical wiring, and others.
The board and Meyer agreed this area of academics has been ignored in recent years, and this program would help students gain knowledge and skills in field that provide well-paying jobs.
Leiker said the board will review the curriculum in greater detail at the regular March meeting.
In other news:
— Architect Greg Tice of Spangenberg/Phillips gave an update on the building project bond issue.
Tice said the indoor pool would require a certain amount of air exchange in the public facilities to keep temperatures cool enough. He also said the air in all areas of the pool would be exchanged regularly.
— Curriculum director Missy Stubenhofer talked about the spring state assessments for students.
Ninety-seven percent of tested students will take the general assessment, two percent will be taking the Kansas Assessment of Multiple Measure (KAMM), and one percent will be taking the alternate assessment.
The window for test taking is March 1-April 21.
— Stubenhofer also presented course descriptions and curriculums for conceptual physics and family and consumer science classes for the fall of 2006.
The physics class will count as an alternate science class, but also will be allowed to be taken as an extra science credit. It will not however, count toward Kansas Regents qualifications.
The board will review the information and take action on each course during the regular March meeting.
— Marion County Special Education Cooperation director Chris Cezar and board president Richard Drake attend the January meeting and asked the board to consider another one-year lease for their building in Florence.
The USD 408 board considered the request Monday, with a discussion.
Some members expressed concern with results from a feasibility study MCSEC conducted, as well as upkeep of the facilities.
Leiker said he felt the board seemed agreeable to a one-year lease, however it would be best to discuss the study and lease agreement with the MCSEC board.
USD 408 board will make a request to meet with MCSEC board at 6 p.m. Monday as part of its regular board meeting to discuss further options.
— The board reviewed a draft of the 2006-07 calendar. Members each took a copy to review, and will provide input next month.
— Marion Elementary School teacher Katie Rahe was hired as an assistant forensics coach.
— The board accepted a donation from Marion resident Charles Montgomery. Mongomery donated a video camera, tri-pod, and microphone to the district, valued at approximately $5,000 to $6,000.
