Altamont School Board Discusses New Courses

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Published on December 12 2017 10:00 am
Last Updated on December 12 2017 10:00 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Altamont school board members Monday discussed new course options.

Superintendent Jeff Fritchtnitch told the Board that the Lieutenant Governor's office is offering a pilot program for Advanced Placement US History. The office is offering a pilot for school districts and high schools to access via Illinois Virtual School.

High school principal Jerry Tkachuk and Guidance Counselor Robin Elam and Fritchtnitch met and submitted questions to the State contact about the program. Fritchtnitch said State officials are encouraged that Altamont would like to participate.

Tkachuk said there are questions still needing answered, and it might be something that will be delayed until next year, but he said the district has made it clear to the State that Altamont is most willing to pilot the program when they are ready.

There was also information shared on Polycom Distance Learning. All of the Altamont schools and representatives participated in a conference call, and now a face-to-face meeting will take place this month in Champaign. Fritchtnitch said he will be working to have an intergovernmental agreement crafted for the shared courses, and will be working with the principals and guidance counselors for each participating district on courses to share and access via the technology.

Tkachuk also spoke to the Board about possible changes to the schedule for next year, which would include changing the start and end times at the high school. He plans to have information ready for Board consideration at their annual work weekend.

The Board heard a presentation from teachers Meredith Dust and Neil Winter regarding high school Math curriculum and sequencing.

Also Monday, the Altamont board heard that Dane Milleville and Kyle Stuemke will be in attendance at the January board meeting to provide details on the high school baseball field lighting project. Also, Fritchtnitch said he has a quote from G&S on sound baffles for the high school gym, but the amount exceeds the limit for not bidding, so G&S will work with the district on bid specs. The Board will have to approve letting bids on the project.

The Board passed the tax levy for the new fiscal year, tabled the question of establishing a Trap Shooting Club, and kept closed the previous six months' closed session minutes.