By 1812Blockhouse
The Madison School Board’s September meeting covered a range of topics, from sports achievements and student council updates to reports on educational assessments and community concerns. Here’s a detailed summary of meeting highlights.
Student Achievements and School Updates
- Sports Success: The Madison High School student representative updated the board on the impressive performances by Madison’s sports teams. Highlights include the boys’ soccer team with a 9-1 record, girls’ tennis winning the Madison Invite, and the football team securing its first win of the season against Worcester. The cross-country team continues to see students achieve personal bests, while volleyball is focusing on team bonding despite challenging scores.
- Student Council and Events: Preparations for the Galaxy-themed homecoming next Saturday are in full swing. The National Honor Society held a successful blood drive, and various performances at the playhouse and Renaissance Theater last weekend received positive feedback. The student council president noted that fall sports seniors were recognized during the football game.
- Academic Progress and Initiatives: Schools across the district are wrapping up diagnostic assessments to form skill-based groups and interventions. Madison South improved to four stars on the state report card, and Mifflin School celebrated its first female student council president in history. The high school Key Club reported increased participation and is eager for a productive year of community service.
Superintendent’s Update
- Bullying Prevention Efforts: The superintendent addressed the ongoing issue of bullying within the district, acknowledging concerns shared on social media. He emphasized the need for education around what constitutes bullying and committed to bringing in guest speakers to better inform students and parents.
- Safety Measures for Student Walkways: The board addressed concerns about students walking in various locations. In response, a bus stop was added to give students a safer transportation option. The district also reached out to the Ohio Department of Transportation to request safety improvements like fencing on the bridge.
- State Report Card and Performance Improvements: Madison achieved a three-and-a-half-star overall rating, meeting state standards across multiple measures, including student achievement and progress. Notable improvements were seen in early literacy, with scores rising from two to three stars. The district celebrated the success of its Career Technical program, which received a five-star rating for the second consecutive year.
Community Concerns and Visitor Comments
- Bullying by Staff: A parent voiced a complaint about a staff member accused of bullying her child during breakfast at the middle school. She described the incident as unkind and unacceptable, urging the board to ensure thorough investigation and appropriate disciplinary action against the staff involved.
New Staff Introductions and Initiatives
- New Staff Members: The high school welcomed several new staff members, including intervention specialists and teachers in financial literacy, automotive technologies, and health. Each new hire has a strong connection to the Madison District, whether through prior community involvement or recruitment by current staff.
- Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS): The school has recommitted to consistent enforcement of basic expectations such as electronics use and dress code. New instructional videos created by the admin team are helping to model these expectations for students, contributing to a positive start to the school year.
Financial Report Highlights
- Revenue and Expenditures: The district saw a revenue increase in August due to property taxes from a newly passed levy. Expenditures have also risen, particularly in health insurance costs, reflecting broader economic trends. The board was reminded that federal funds used in previous years are no longer available, meaning certain costs will now impact the general fund.
Looking Ahead
- The board scheduled its next regular meeting for October 16 at 6:00 PM, with an additional work session planned for October 8 at 4:30 PM to discuss upcoming matters.
