Neoga School Board Reorders Math Course Offerings

The Neoga school board has approved high school Math course offerings and sequencing of those classes.

Neoga Superintendent Beth Pressler said the curriculum had not been reviewed for many years, and said Math was chosen as the starting point. The review is one good result of the decision to end the school day at Neoga one hour early this year and next school year to save money. The decision has allowed professional development opportunities for the teaching staff in that extra hour. That led to the start of the overhaul of the curriculum.

Pressler said the changes are designed to help the students learn better. She said they will define better what is offered, and also when the courses will be offered. 

Pressler said some students need a quarter to "get" what a course is designed to teach, but some might need a semester. Classes will be offered to make sure as many students as possible "get" it.

Some of the coursework will also be tailored to college bound students and to those gravitating more to a vocational track. However, Pressler said provision will be made for "ramps" for students who might later find they'd rather go to college than take the vocational path.

Pressler said they have a "long way to go", but getting the Math curriculum in place is a start.

The Neoga board also approved another co-operative agreement with Stew-Stras schools to share the services of school psychologist Kristi Elder next year; approved a 2016-17 school calendar that calls for a teacher institute on August 16 and the first day for students on August 17; approved utilizing Title I funds for several Summer School programs including a 9th grade Algebra Academy for advanced learners; and delayed action on fees for next school year and on an Agriculture program for next year.

Brad Keck of the Neoga Boosters Club shared with the Board that the Club will again fully fund extra-curricular programs for the 2016-17 school year. That includes sports, and includes the return of fall baseball at the high school after a one-year hiatus. The pledge also extends to helping with extracurricular and non-academic transportation for the coming year.

Neoga board members approved the retirement of elementary secretary Debbie Shoots and the honorable dismissal of Kim Ewing, but took no action on a request for extended sick leave. The Board also established a Policy Committee for the first time in many years. Members Brian Titus and Julie Butler will serve on the committee.