ECS Board Meeting School Receives Award for Academic Growth & More By Sharon Turano Although a number of athletic events are coming up at Ellicottville Central School, a September 20 football game against Brocton-Westfield has been cancelled. During a Tuesday Ellicottville Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Mark Ward said the game has been cancelled for obvious reasons: Brocton-Westfield Varsity football player Damon Janes, 16, died after injuries sustained in a game last week. Despite the game’s cancellation, homecoming is scheduled for next week. The homecoming pep assembly will be held September 27, when the boys’ varsity football team faces Franklinville. The homecoming dance is set for September 28. Also during Tuesday’s meeting, Ward reported the middle/high school was one of 170 schools across New York to receive an award for academic growth shown from the 2011/2012 school year and the 2012/2013 year. A plaque in the lobby signifies the “fruits of our labor,” said Ward. He said there are 700 districts in the state, with many having more than one school. Being one of the 170 named is therefore noteworthy, he said. Ward reported enrollment at the school stands at 620 this year for prekindergarten to 12th grade, up about 10 from last year. Ward said that includes 136 out-of-district students, and 19 new students in grades seven to 12. He said the enrollment figure “bodes well for the future.” Despite that, Ward said he is planning to further promote the district by producing a brochure about the district for realtors and parents considering the school. The district has also recently won honors from the New York State Public Relations Association for issues of its newsletter. The board also heard reports including one regarding the 115 new laptops with which it is replacing student computers. Another report regarding new special education state guidelines was also given. Concern was voiced the guidelines require special education students to continue testing that may not be suitable for them. State testing at the high school level was also discussed, with concern voiced some may be geared towards scoring only, rather than what a school may be doing otherwise. In other news, the board: • Eliminated an 11-month keyboard specialist position and created two other keyboard specialist spots. • Created and filled five common core specialist positions to be paid out of a $3,000 stipend. • Approved various extra-curricular positions. • Okayed the long-term substitute position of Chris Prey in the middle school/high school office.
Posted on: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 14:20:26 +0000
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