After a lengthy discussion on the importance of a more secure front entrance for the high school or redoing the parking lot, the Hillsboro School Board unanimously chose in favor of a remodeling plan in which arriving visitors will have to go through the main school office, thus enhancing the safety factor for students and teachers.
The vote was taken at Monday night’s regular monthly meeting.
The contract was awarded to Verbsky Construction. That is the same firm that recently remodeled the front entrance of the Elementary School. Owner Snapper Verbsky attended the meeting and answered a number of questions from Board members.
The parking lot project apparently goes to the top of the pile of needs facing the School Board and will be reconsidered for next year.
During his monthly report, School Superintendent Curt Bisarek commented on the growing need and continuing plans for a school referendum in the next election.
“We’re not alone in this process,” he reported, ‘but we are late to the dance.” He encouraged taxpayers to seek answers for the continuing needs and suggested they make it a point to talk to Board members, teachers, administrators, and himself.
“This isn’t politics,” Bisarek said, “It’s about Hillsboro, and a quality education for our kids.”
In other reports, High School Principal Greg Zimmerman said:
• The State FFA Convention is being held in Madison June 9-12.
• Summer School Humanities Course begins June 11.
• FBLA State Officers Training in Madison June 15-18.
• Choir trip to New York City June 15-20.
• Student of the Month trip to Mall of America June 25.
• FBLA National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
Elementary School Principal Cara Wood reported:
• Summer activities will take place at the High School because of the building projects at the Elementary School.
• Summer School starts next week for K through third grade, June/July session runs for three weeks Monday-Thursday. No classes will be held July 4.
• Second session of Summer School for K-6th grade runs Tuesday-Thursday. Aug, 5-21.
• Free breakfast and lunch programs are available again this summer. If you are new to the area and plan to enroll students at Hillsboro Elementary School please stop by the office or call 489-2224.
The following resignations were reported to the Board: Jenny Barreau, Kathy Clark, and Rachel Haworth.
After a closed session, the Board approved the hiring of the following:
• Jacob Richards - Business Education teacher;
• Ashley Shaw - Four-year-old kindergarten teacher;
• Scott Egan - Fourth grade teacher and head girls basketball coach.
The Board also approved individual contracts for 45 staff members.
Bisarek reported to the Board that, at the present time, the school has 45 students in the schools from open enrollment and has lost 26 through open enrollment.
The Board also held a lengthy discussion on the options of chromebook/iPad leasing options.
It was reported that standard text books will probably cease publishing in about two years.
The next Hillsboro School meeting is scheduled for July 14 at 8:15 p.m. in the High School Library.
