GI BoE debates extracurricular issue

by Kathleen Duff
Grand Island Dispatch, January 11, 2008

The Grand Island Board of Education heard reports and had discussions on a wide variety of topics in the Huth Road Elementary School auditorium Monday evening, including lengthy debate over whether or not to include home-schooled students in extracurricular activities.

As promised, Superintendent Robert Christmann presented information to trustees on what he called “not an easy decision.”

Christmann had consulted with the school district attorney to get a clearer idea of what responsibility the schools would have toward non-public students who wanted to play intramural sports or participate in other non-credit bearing clubs or activities, such as the spring musical at the high school. In Western New York, the Maryvale and Sloan school districts allow participation of home-schooled children in clubs and sports.

Board President Richard Little expressed concern over what impact a quick decision on the issue would have in years to come.

“We don’t have enough information to make a decision right now,” Little said.

Trustees Glen Bobeck and James Hanna were concerned that the issue not be tabled, however, with Bobeck stating that the schools should be “inclusive” of all students. Hanna said that “as a taxpayer” he personally held one view of the issue, but as an official elected by the residents of Grand Island, he felt it important to “get the pulse” of the voters through a question and answer forum.

It was agreed that the issue would be further explored and a public forum would be scheduled.

In other news, Christmann spoke about a recent joint investigation carried out by the schools and the Town of Grand Island. With the help of Grand Island Town Supervisor Peter McMahon, it was arranged that minor students would attempt to purchase cigarettes from 10 Grand Island vendors.

“Seven complied (with state law), and three did not,” Christmann said. The violators will lose their right to sell tobacco for six months if there is a second such sale to minors within the next 24 months. District administrators and the Board of Education, together with the town government, parents and other private citizens, are working toward being more proactive in curbing the drug, alcohol and tobacco problem on the Island. (See story on “One Island, One Team, One Dream.”)

Busing to Be Studied

In other business, Mark Wash of the Transportation Advisory Group reported to the board that he would begin his study of the efficiency, safety and scheduling of the district’s busing this week. Wash emphasized that he is working in an advisory capacity only and would gather information from the five building principals and the transportation department. He also would observe the loading and departing of the High School and Middle School bus runs. His report to the district would include concerns he may have, what options are available for possible changes and what personnel may have in terms of a “wish list.”

Regarding instructional news, Dr. Karen Karmazin, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, told trustees that grade five students at both Huth Road and Kaegebein elementary schools have achieved a 100 percent passing rate (levels three and four) for this year’s round of testing.

Also of interest to the board was the building project update from Loraine Ingracsi, assistant superintendent of business and finance. Ingrasci said that concrete pads have been prepared at the elementary schools to receive new emergency generators over the February break.

The 2008-2009 school budget timeline also was discussed. A first draft is expected in February, a second in March and a final draft will be adopted March 21. The district plans its usual informational updates to the public via its Website, public forums and other outlets.

Good News

Director of Transportation Jack Burns addressed the board in commendation of Middle School bus driver Jackie Steckelberg. He related that Steckelberg was very helpful in following through with one of her students who fell and was injured on his way into school after leaving her bus. The student’s mother e-mailed the district to praise Steckelberg for her concern.

In other good news, Christmann announced that all fall high school sports teams have achieved Scholar Athlete status. To receive this honor, athletic teams must earn a combined average of 90 percent or better. Christmann said, “Very few high schools have had their students get this.” Across New York state, only eight out of approximately 1,500 schools have received this honor.

In addition, the music department’s Madrigal singers have been asked by State Sen. Antoine Thompson to perform at a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at a Buffalo city school.

The next Grand Island Board of Education meeting is a regular business meeting at 7 p.m. in the High School cafeteria on Monday, Jan. 28.