The Fulton Independent Board of Education agreed to support the Kentucky Department of Education’s Race to the Top grant during its regular meeting Dec. 8.
The grant emphasizes standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace. Part of the grant requires local boards of education show support for the grant initiatives by signing a memorandum of understanding stating the local district will support and implement the plans outlined in the grant.
Race to the Top would provide funding – possibly $2 million statewide. To win, Kentucky needs a robust proposal backed by the state, districts, teacher unions, and other key stakeholders.
The grant will reward states for accomplishments and strategic plans, and will create incentives for future improvements.
There are two applications phases: Phase One, which is open for applications late in 2009; Phase two, which is open in late spring of 2010. States that apply in Phase One but are not awarded grants may reapply in Phase Two. The grant is due to the U.S. Department of Education by Jan. 19, 2010. In other business, the board:
• approved a two-year technology plan developed by the Technology Committee, which includes how the district is going to incorporate technology as an organizational and learning tool to increase student achievement and teacher productivity. Also approved was an addendum showing how Title IID funds will be used to enhance the technology program.
• reviewed the district report card for the 2008-09 school year. The report card will be sent to parents by the KDE in January 2010. The district summary of each school’s report card will be posted to the district Web site by Feb. 1, 2010.
• endorsed an annual renewable contract with Caldwell County and the Munis Consortium. Fulton Independent works with other districts to employ Jerry Tombs on a consultation basis in order to provide technical support for the Munis financial system. Cost of the contract is $3,127. Caldwell County is the fiscal agent for the consortium.
• heard a report on Advancing Student Achievement to Proficiency, including a special education child count of 102 students.
• recognized the Lion’s Club students of the month, Juan Guzman and Janay Vaughn; and the Rotary Club students of the month, India Fair, Shelby Jones and Dvonte Newbill.
• learned 410 students are enrolled in the district.
• agreed to allow the senior class to have the 2010 junior/senior prom at the Hampton Inn in Union City, Tenn. May 8. Cost of renting the facility is $400 and will be paid from senior class funds.
• approved fundraising activities, including: the middle/high school boys’ basketball team to sell old jerseys during home basketball games; the middle school boys and girls and high school girls teams to have a “Bitty Bulldogs” program to introduce the youth to basketball.
• heard the personnel report, including the appointments of Rick Garland as temporary volunteer for the middle school boys basketball team during the absence of assistant coach Aaron Walker; and Lilith Sorg as assistant coach of the high school Academic Team; and the resignation of Phillip Winkler as assistant coach for the high school Academic Team.
The next meeting will be Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. at the school board office.
