THE BELLAIRE Local School District welcomed its newest board member, Norman Brutchey, during its regular meeting Monday, which also included an update from Bellaire Middle School principals Mike McKeever and John Foley.
According to the principals, the school building is looking to improve on performance tests with a goal of reducing the previous year's failure rate by least 10 percent and to meet annual yearly progress in all subgroups of the state proficiency test.
The school building is also hoping for increased parent involvement.
"We envision a school where parents and students believe that learning is an opportunity, not an obligation," McKeever said.
According to Foley, the school's teachers are going to use data analysis of past tests to guide them and increase student performance.
The middle school is also using an after-school program to help students. About 85 students are involved in the after-school program, Foley said.
In other board news, administrative assistant Kevin Roseberry reported the district's teachers are participating in the power educator program. The goal of the district is to improve on math and reading as well improving the school climate with the objective of working toward a 100 percent passage rate on the Ohio Proficiency tests.
The school board also heard a custodial and safety report from Jim Hill, who said the Central Office building of the school district will be installing card readers on the doors of the building, along with cameras as an extra security measure.
The board also recognized a teacher and two students during the "Parade of Champions" during the meeting.
Teacher Jacci Morgan was recently the recipient of Sam's Club Teacher of the Year Award for the local region. According to Morgan, she received a $100 gift certificate for herself and a $1,000 grant for her class as part of the honor.
Also recognized during the "Parade of Champions" were students Rebecca Graham and Katherine Haring, who had perfect scores on the math portion Ohio Graduation Test.
The board also went into executive session to discuss personnel employment and matters to be kept confidential by law.
The next Bellaire Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Nov. 3 at 6 p.m.
Schuler can be reached at shoe@timesleaderonline.com
