Morrison ‘Report Card’ Released November 1

By LYNNETTE FORTH | For The Prairie Advocate News

MORRISON – Members of the Morrison Board of Education met for a regular meeting on October 23rd in the High School Media Center. Following the approval of previous meeting minutes, Superintendent Suellen Girard reported to the board that to date, school report card data has been received and is being evaluated.

The information will be available for release to the public on November 1st. In January, the report card data will be re-released using different cut scores. These scores will be aligned with the High School cut scores. These higher scores will be used for the spring state testing.

Staff members are researching assessments that measure student progress. “This is important and a significant change because starting next year, the progress of students in each teacher’s classroom will be measured using two assessments,” Girard noted.

The District Improvement Plan and School improvement plans have been updated. Girard also commented that “as the District has worked to develop a list of possible budget reductions, suggestions have also been made for ways to increase the budget. The survey is now being modified to include both options for increasing revenue as well as reducing expenses.”

In regard to the budget, Girard reported that after starting with a projected deficit for the current year of $830,764.03, improvements have been made to reduce the deficit by $195,414.00. “This is still significant, whether or not other things can impact utilities, but the staff is working together to reduce the projected deficit.”

Elementary Principal Joe Robbins reported that several teachers, as well as himself, will be attending the 2nd of 4 CCCS trainings at Sauk Valley College on November 9th.

Students who met the requirements for the 1st quarter Space Party at Southside were treated to a movie at the high school auditorium. Robbins reported that he ordered pizza from Happy Joe’s and ate lunch with new-to-the-district students at Southside, giving them the opportunity to ask questions in a comfortable environment.

Kindergarten teachers recently attended the annual Kindergarten Conference, and came back with many ideas for implementing the Common Core Standards in their classrooms. Northside received a $250.00 donation from a parent volunteer. Pennies were collected for United Way at both of the buildings. The money will help United Way fund its programs.

Junior High Principal Darryl Hogue, informed the board that WACC director Kim Purvis has indicated that she is able to provide grant money to purchase Career Cruising. “This is a program that will help students build an individual portfolio for career choices,” Hogue noted. “Our counselor, the HS counselor and I will be attending one day training. This will help us prepare for necessary changes required for career and college readiness.”

Seventh grade students traveled to the Maquoketa Caves on October 12th as part of the science program. Students were able to explore the caves and the surrounding park while learning about natural landmarks and cave formations.

High School Principal Scott Vance reported that Discovery Education testing for the 9th and 10th graders has been completed. “We are reviewing the data and planning how to use it in the best possible way,” Vance said.

Morrison High School recently welcomed back the Class of 1962. They were able to take in the football game and toured the school. All present were thankful and impressed with what they saw.

Other action Items approved:

- Board Committee Membership

- Approval of School Report Cards for Distribution

- Purchase of van to replace totaled van

- Approval of District and School for Rising Star District and School Improvement plans

- Approval of Principal’s Evaluation Plan

A closed session was held to discuss disciplinary cases. 5 ILCS 120/2 © (9)

The next regular meeting will be held on November 27th.