Dieterich School Board Reviews Possible Curriculum Changes

Dieterich school board members Monday heard from junior-senior high school principal Scott Kocher on proposed changes to the Math and Science curriculum at the high school for next school year.

Kocher said high school staff members have been exploring options for possible changes in the sequence in which courses are offered. Additional courses in Science were also discussed, including Physiology, Anatomy, Zoology and Botany.

Kocher also reported on the boys and girls Christmas basketball tournaments. Dieterich won the boys tournament, and finished fourth in the girls tournament.

Elementary principal Josh Benefiel updated the Board on the progress of Pre-K and Kindergarten screening for next school year. Currently, 46 spots have been reserved for screening, and reservations are still being taken.

Also Monday, the Dieterich board designated Superintendent Cary Jackson to begin work on the budget for the coming year; approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Regional Office of Education for alternative education for next school year; set a tentative high school graduation date as Saturday, May 17 at 2pm; and purchased 60 Dell Chromebooks for just over $28,000.

The Board heard from high school student Logan Gipson regarding the formation of a golf team at Dieterich. The Board directed the administration to develop a process for adding the activity for Dieterich. Board members also renewed the one-year contracts of building principals Scott Kocher and Josh Benefiel for next school year. The Board also reassigned Beth Homann from bus driver to substitute bus driver; approved a Memorandum of Agreement with the Dieterich Education Association to add Bass Fishing Sponsor to the list of extra-duty positions in the teacher contract then hired Hunter Michl as bass fishing sponsor for this season; hired Emma Ruholl as high school Student Council sponsor for next school year; hired Danielle Dolan as an aide; and approved volunteers including Mikayla French as cheerleading coach and Donnie Dill and Emily Flach as mentors.

The Dieterich board reviewed health insurance premiums; reviewed an Artificial Intelligence sample policy; reviewed the courses Dieterich students are taking through the CORE Academy; reviewed the spring school board election; and reviewed the Effingham County CEO Class Hometown Showdown at the Effingham Performance Center on March 1.