Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
During the regular meeting of the Madison County District School Board on Monday, June 7, the board heard from Elias Paulk during citizen input. Paulk, a professor at North Florida College, proposed expanding grades at Pinetta Elementary School (PES), Lee Elementary School (LES) and Greenville Elementary School. Paulk said it was his opinion that this would have several benefits, among them: smaller class size, more options for parents, a lower likelihood for parents to pull students out of the local system, etc. Currently, PES, LES and GES offer instruction up to the fifth grade. Beginning with the sixth grade, all students must then go to Madison County Central School (MCCS); or attempt to enter Madison Creative Arts Academy, homeschool or opt for a private school.
According to school board attorney Tommy Reeves, the decision was made several years ago to limit the grades offered at PES, LES and GES to K-5 because “that's what the state was willing to fund at the time.”
“Parents are faced with more options now,” said Board Chairman Bart Alford, who suggested looking into the matter further. “We have to do what we can to stay competitive … where we can keep FTE. Parents need to do what's best for their child; whether it's home school, virtual school, charter school or whatever. No one school fits every child. This is another way to try to meet everyone's need, while trying to keep as much FTE [funding] as we can.” It was determined that the issue was important enough to continue the discussion further in a workshop meeting, during which time the board would examine legal options and look at the “pros and cons” of such a move.
Following a public hearing, the board approved policy updates on a number of issues, ranging from non-discrimination to food service and more.
The board approved a $64,999.89 expenditure to improve the sound systems in the MCCS gymnasium and at Boot Hill Stadium on the Madison County High School campus. Some of the speakers in the MCCS gym were able to be repaired, thus saving some money. However the system at Boot Hill Stadium needs to be completely replaced, due to age and exposure to the elements over the years. Funding for the sound systems is coming from capital improvement funds and not the general fund.
Permission was granted by the board to advertise the 2020-2021 Code of Conduct. There will be public hearings on the issue and citizens will be given the opportunity to voice their opinions prior to final approval of the plan.
The board accepted a bid from Robinson and Son Painting to paint hallways and doors for many of the buildings at MCCS. The bid totaled $14,605.
The next regular meeting of the Madison County District School Board is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 21, at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in the board meeting room at 210 NE Duval Ave., in Madison. A link to various documents and items discussed during the school board meetings can be found at www.madison.k12.fl.us/school-board.