New AD welcomed at Milan School Board meeting
Milan Supt. gives kindergarten update

Cathy May, Contributing Writer

The Milan Board of School Trustees met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 23.

Principal Richard Healy introduced David Wolferst, who was hired as athletic director. Wolferst had served as AD at Maconoquah High School for the past four years and was a native of Batesville. He will be moving to this area with his wife, Kris, and their three children.

Superintendent Jackson reported, “At present there are 82 children enrolled in kindergarten for the 2007-2008 school year. Surveys had been sent out to get feedback on full day kindergarten and only four responses stated they had opted for one-half day for their child.” He said, “Some parents were concerned that if their child only attended half day, they would miss out on learning instruction.” Jackson said, “That would be true. Kindergarten is optional according to state law, but it is offered to our children because it has value. We do not offer it because some parents don’t wish their child to attend. The superintendent said if any parent had concerns, he would gladly meet with them. The superintendent noted that with state support, the cost to parents would not exceed $200 per year.

Randy Combs made a presentation on behalf of Marty Layden, who was on vacation. Combs presented the following student athletes with academic plaques for maintaining a 4.0 grade point average during the fourth grading period of the 2006-07 school year: Amanda Walter, Carissa Mulroy, Hollie Robinson, Brittney Knowlton, and Stephanie Becker for tennis; Lacee Alloway, Kelly Stutler, for softball; and Deborah Fryer, Andrew Dixon, and Alex Walter for track.

Superintendent Jackson requested a revision of the 2007-08 school calendar to provide six half-day staff development in-service days on the following dates: October 5, November 21, December 14, March 7, April 4 and May 2. Elementary students will be released at 12:45 p.m. and middle school/high school students will be released at 1:00 p.m. These days would provide teachers with opportunities to improve their professional skills and increase their effectiveness.

Topics would include ISTEP+ data, 4Sight Benchmark testing, and classroom instructional strategies.

Personnel changes: David Wolferst was hired as Athletic Director. Wolferst will be awarded a two-year 225 day contract and be placed on the administrative salary schedule with 11 years of experience.

Melissa Sanders was hired as a kindergarten teacher and Michelle Franklin as a first grade teacher. Shannon Wells will be a Title I, third/fourth grade instructional aide.

Superintendent Jackson stated there had been many outstanding candidates for the recent job postings and expressed expectations of great things for the upcoming school year. The superintendent was given permission to advertise and/or employ any necessary personnel prior to the August meeting. This does not include the new position of Director of Operations.

Superintendent Jackson reported the swimming pool project was completed and the pool had been filled and cleaned.

The budget adoption hearing will be held on September 6 at 7:00 p.m. and the budget adoption meeting on September 17 at 6:45 p.m. prior to the regular monthly meeting.

All five school board members were present: David Voss, Edward Amburger, Randy Kirk, Timothy Tuttle, and Gregory Lewis. Attorney Larry Eaton was present to advise the board. The next regular meeting of the Milan School Board will be on Monday, August 20 at 7:00 p.m.