ELLINWOOD — The Ellinwood School Board heard at its regular meeting this week that a local business is raising funds to donate an electronic scoreboard for the football field. The estimated cost is $16,000. The old one is from 1987 but was beginning to show its age, said Superintendent Ben Jacobs.
"It had nothing to do with the school," Jacobs said. It was solely the idea of the business man.
The district is considering adding a hall of fame at the high school. It would include past Ellinwood greats with permanent plaques for inductees who .
Amber Littler from Adams Brown Beran and Ball presented the audit report to the school board. She said there were no statute violations, but with the change in the business managers, the district needed to look into cross training. She also said that computer backups needed to be taken off-site and dormant accounts needed to be closed as well as other changes. Superintendent Jacobs said that they district will implement the changes and the board accepted the findings.
In his superintendent’s report, Jacobs said that the schools full-time equivalency for enrollment is an unaudited 392.8. This is a three year average. He also reported that the board goal to create a culture of respect for others and property is making a difference, and there have been far fewer reports of vandalism.
Also, Jacobs said that the bus barn garage is fully constructed.
Another item for consideration is ending open lunch at the high school, but was not an agenda item at this time. "The time has come to rethink this," Jacobs said. "Do we want to continue this practice?" He added that most high schools don’t have it. Board member Janice Birzer suggested adding a salad bar.
Jacobs replied that if the district did close lunch, they would have to add more food choices. He encouraged the board to discuss this and perhaps take action in the spring.
Principal Eric Sjogren reported on the anti-bullying activities that the grade school has participated in. He also reported on the MTSS system for reading, and said the school is very pleased with the results.
Ellinwood High School Principal Shawn Henderson said that the school is very involved in teaching positive behaviors.
"I can promise we talk about behaviors every day," he said. He is working with some other schools to teach students leaders on stopping bullying. They also have implemented Saturday School for those that violate the rules. Staff that monitor Saturday School are paid.
Activity Director Dusty Beam reported that the district is seeking to hold some sub-state tournaments in Ellinwood and that it would be easier for athletes who participate not to have to travel.
The school board voted to stay in the Schools for Fair Funding lawsuit. The suit costs the district $1,546. The board voted to use the district’s pop sales money to pay for involvement.
