Pella —
The Pella Community School Board approved the recommendation to set next year’s weekly professional development time as a 90-minute early-out on Wednesdays during their regular meeting held on Monday. The approval of the recommendation also included the intent to maximize teacher-student contact during those days in which an early-out will occur.
The district is still exploring child care and transportation options for families needing those services.
Currently 20 hours/year are designated for staff development.
“Our teachers have a passion to get better,” Pella Superintendent Greg Ebeling said.
Following the action regarding staff development time, the board approved the 2012-12 School Calendar (see right). Ebeling commented that the calendar has a similar start and end time to the current school year. The biggest changes to the calendar are having the semester end before winter break and the mentioned addition to staff development.
The board also approved staff to begin the process of refinancing bonds. With interest rates at a 60-year low, the district will be able to save a significant amount if the bonds that are outstanding on the Madison Elementary building are refinanced.
In other business, the board appointed boardmember Joan Corbin to the Marion County Conference Board. The board also approved the expulsion of a student for the amount of 45-days. Ebeling explained that this timeframe was the maximum amount allowed for a special education student. The student was caught with a controlled substance on school property.
The board will hold its next work session on Monday, Jan. 13 at 4:30 p.m. The next scheduled regular meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 27, at 4:30 p.m.
Click here view the 2012-13 approved calendar from the PCSD web site.
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