DUKE CENTER — The Otto-Eldred gymnasium will no longer be known for their nostalgic “fan shaped” basketball backboards.
Assistant coach Mike Miller, with the support of head coaches Dan Dalton and Shawn Gray, requested permission to replace the historic fan shaped backboard with updated rectangular backboards during the Otto-Eldred School Board meeting Tuesday.
The cost for the new backboards will be paid by the fundraising efforts. The board unanimously supported their effort. The plan will be to have the new boards installed prior to the start of the upcoming basketball season.
Miller also spoke to the board about the changes to the elementary Nippers basketball program. The program will basically stay the same with the travel team, but this year they will include an in-house skills-based community league for grades 1-6. This program will be certified by USA Basketball, and they are currently working on an online registration page with more information to follow.
Miller also thanked the board for their continued support and cooperation with the many feeder programs they offer to the district.
In old business, an update to the extracurricular policy was approved. The update simplifies the process by which students violating the policy can be reinstated. The board agreed to hold a few public work sessions starting this winter to review the policy in its entirety. Any substantial update would be considered for the 2020-21 seasons.
During administrative reports, Superintendent Matthew Splain provided the board an update on elementary roof planning. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for Oct. 23, with bids for restoring the original elementary roof section due on Nov. 6.
Splain will meet with the Otto Township supervisors in the near future to review the current lease allowing district use of football fields and parking lot areas. The current lease includes only a few areas; however, other areas of the park are utilized during district events.
Planning for anticipated Safe School grant and PCCD grant money was also shared by Splain. Although costly, updating the district security camera system as well as the high school public address system is necessary. Upgrades will be based on grant funds received.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Merry reported that all of the 2018-19 state data is in. O-E is comparable to the state averages and has reached higher proficiency percentages in several grades and subject areas. Teachers are participating in various professional development opportunities this school year including LETRS, Math Open-Ended trainings and Text Development Analysis workshops.
Principal of Elementary and Special Education Lindsay Burns reported that the district percentage of identified gifted students is at the state average. This is the first time this percentage has been released, and the district is where it needs to be for Chapter 16 programming.
Burns also reported that the elementary open house was successful with 87% of students K-6 represented by a parent or guardian. This connection between home and school is the first step to allowing students to succeed, she said. Burns was thankful for the parent/guardian involvement.
Jim “Basketball” Jones will be visiting the elementary very soon. He will reinforce the district’s Positive Behavior Support program and promote positive characteristics and socialization.
High School Principal Harley Ramsey reported that he is currently working with a group of students interested in creating clear guidelines for student government and class advisors. Ramsey is also working with Kaci Daniels and Ricci Jeannerette to develop more comprehensive criteria for entry into dual enrollment courses. More details will be available by February or March.
Ramsey also reported that he has been working with parents addressing concerns related to volleyball and football. Most of the concerns are directly related to playing time. Parents routinely confront coaches before, during, and after games and practices. This is unhealthy and unproductive, he said. Tim Burris and Ramsey continue to mentor coaches on how to best handle these situations. They are concerned that this type of behavior from parents and fans will result in increased difficulties locating quality coaches, referees and game personnel.
In staffing, Brian Henry was approved as a substitute teacher, Dawn Bauer was approved as a substitute aide, and Brant Johnson was approved as a full-time custodian. Some supplemental positions were filled including Rodie Rodgers as head coach for basketball cheer and Emilee Bruno as assistant coach for basketball cheer. Positions of assistant coach for wrestling and assistant coach for junior high basketball are still open.
The following volunteer coaches were approved for the trap team: Todd Barrett, Jeff Bell, Bruce Cauvel, Bill Clayson, Matthew Connors, Bob De Long, Stacey Grimes, Wayne Houben, Dan Manning, Randy Ours, Randy Sanderson, Howie VanScoter, Tim Whitney and Kristin Zona.
The powder-puff game that was canceled during homecoming week has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday. The National Honor Society Induction banquet will be held on Oct. 22 at the Old Library. Mock Trial and Seal Teams will begin meeting in early November.
