Sheldon school board discusses future of online education

Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Sheldon R-8 school board looks to set the date for the tax levy hearing. (clockwise, beginning w/person in Hosmer shirt): Joanne Dedrick, board vice-president; Gene Leininger, board member; Devin White, assistant principal; Jason Irwin, superintendent; Gwen Coquillette, board secretary; Jarod Lamb, board president; Bill Nance, board member; Cody Claflin, board member; Paul Sprenkle, board member; Michelle Claflin, board member. Johannes Brann/Daily Mail

Nevada Daily Mail

"Mr. Irwin, I am concerned about the direction we are heading," said board president, Jarod Lamb addressing himself tothe district's new superintendent. "Are you or someone else who occupies your position in the future going to tell the board of this district that we can save money by eliminating all middle and high school teachers and instead, have our students take all their academic courses online?"

Lamb looked around the table and asked his fellow board members, "Think about it, who's the biggest employer in Sheldon? We are. We are the economic engine of this community as well as a big part of the social glue that gives this town its identity. You know I believe in wise stewardship but we also have to think of the bigger picture and just being an online learning center won't cut it."

These comments and the engaging board discussion that ensued came about in response to a problem and a proposed response made by Jason Irwin, superintendent.

"We have students who need to take calculus, physics, or a foreign language for college prep," said Irwin.

"But it's hard to find teachers in some subjects and get them to come here at what we pay," added Irwin. "Besides, such classes wouldn't have enough students to justify hiring a teacher if we could get one. But I have a solution I would like you to consider and approve."

The superintendent told the board about Edgenuity, a company that provides a wide range of middle, high school and college credit courses that are taken online at the convenience of the student.

"We would purchase 10 licenses so that at any one time, whether in our building or at home, a student may get online and read, learn and submit homework," said Irwin.

"They're very rigorous courses," added new assistant principal, Devin White. "And while students can go at their own pace, they will have to submit a fair amount of homework. Besides offering more courses, this will give our students a chance for credit recovery."

"Do all 10 licenses have to be for one class at a time or can multiple classes be going at the same time?" asked board member, Michelle Claflin.

"We could, for example, have 10 students using the licenses for say four courses in first period and then a different group of students using the 10 licenses for still other courses in second period and so on across the day and into the evening," said Irwin.

Following some comments, which acknowledged Lamb's point, board member Gene Leininger asked, "Mr. Irwin, while I see what the board president was saying I think, in this case, we need to consider your proposal. So just what would it cost?"

"There's a $500 participation fee and each license is $525," detailed Irwin. "So participating with 10 licenses would cost us $5,750."

The board unanimously approved the request.

In the facilities report, Irwin reported that he and the custodian had painted the entire main hall and cafeteria and other areas will be done soon. The Guardian Angel door security devices had been installed on July 11 and the gymnasium floor will be lightly sanded and polyurethaned on July 19. The ivy growing into the mortar of the bricks and the gutter on the south side of the gymnasium will be removed.

Ongoing troubles with roof leaks prompted the board to direct. Irwin to look into methods and prices for repairs. Discussion about possibly having solar panels installed led the board to direct Irwin to investigate options and costs.

The board approved Irwin's request to replace the automated external defibrillator that is no longer able to be serviced.

The superintendent presented the board a request from the student council to help pay for the installation an awning on the front entrance of the school in order to give the entrance a distinctive and welcoming look. The board used this topic to come up with a brief wish list of items that would help passers-by say, "That's a great looking school; we need to check it out."

Irwin told the board that he is investigating options for food service. Board members expressed their wish for on-site freshly prepared meals while acknowledging the challenges of food safety rules.

Finally, Irwin said that while he is most definitely not a fan of Facebook, nonetheless, he is recommending the board approve the creation of a district Facebook page. A teacher has already volunteered to set it up at no cost and maintain the site. The board approved the offer and adjourned.

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