Jim Rudisill

Muscatine Journal Correspondent

COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa — Despite  meeting district goals for increasing overall student proficiency in reading and math, the Columbus School District failed to meet its student proficiency goals for science and one math subgroup, according to the district’s 2004-05 annual progress report, which was approved by the board Monday.

Under the federal No Child Left Behind legislation, the low proficiency of the district’s eighth-grade English Limited Language subgroup placed the district’s middle school on the School In Need Of Assistance list. 

Curriculum director Kathy Yoder outlined several steps the school planned to take as a result of the listing and the low proficiency scores. These included:

n Providing extra help for math students during the day.

n Strengthening the English  As A Second Language program at the middle school.

n Implementing the new Power of I program

n Supporting an adviser/advisee program for all middle school students and especially those in the English Limited Language program

n Implementing the Connected Math Series for grades 6-8. 

n Increasing student expectations

n Boosting administrative oversight with walk-throughs and maintaining high visibility.

Yoder also presented the Board with professional development plans for both the elementary and secondary staff. Each plan included a professional development target and implementation goals. At the secondary level, the plan called for implementing the  Power of I  program and continuing efforts to alter the school culture to support a stronger learning environment.

The focus at the elementary level was academic vocabulary.

Money for mats

The Board tabled a final decision on purchasing new wrestling mats after president Mike Braun complained the Board had not been presented with the proposal earlier. Athletic director Mike Jay said the plan had been in the development stage for several weeks, but was presented Monday after officials learned new mats could not be delivered in time for the season unless they were ordered immediately. Superintendent Rich Bridenstine said School Infrastructure Local Option Sales Tax (SILO) revenue could be used to purchase the mats.

According to Jay, the existing mats do not meet current standards. Braun said he was concerned the estimated $8,000-$10,000 cost for new mats might take money from other programs and needs.

Earlier in the meeting, Jay had outlined several of those needs, including roof repairs, repairing the swimming pool fence, replacing lockers, installing new football bleachers and other work. 

Braun said he was concerned the SILO funds would not cover all the costs, especially since the Dstrict’s student enrollment had dropped and its general fund balances had also declined.

“We need (the mats), but I would like to have a full accounting of the SILO (account) before making a decision,” he explained.

The issue was tabled and is expected to be reviewed at a future meeting.

In final action, the Board re-elected Braun as its president and Marsha Gerot as its vice president.

Contact Jim Rudisill at: 319-523-2213

or  jimrudisill@yahoo.com