School Board Briefs: Distance Learning System Approved

The Thompson District school board approved the purchase and installation of a distance learning system at the April 22 meeting. The system will allow elementary school students to receive instruction in Spanish and will also be available to other students and adults on Channel 14 and the Internet. The Accordant system totaling $77,000 is being purchased as part of distance learning technology included in the 2006 school bond.Charter School Contract RenewedA five-year contract for New Vision Charter School was approved by the school board members. According to the terms of the contract, the school administrators will hire their own special education staff under the guidance of the district director.Enrollment at New Vision is open to any child in the school district and also to those living outside the district. The school’s educational program is nonreligious and nonsectarian and is consistent with school district policy. No tuition is charged for attending the school for students residing in the district. Head Start Assessment PositiveDuring her self-assessment report to the school board, Early Childhood Education Principal Theresa Clements said the Head Start program offered to pre-school youngsters continues to be a high quality program with well-trained staff.Clements said the program serves 139 children and there are many others on the waiting list. Through anticipated stimulus funds, there is a possibility for expansion, she added.Vice President Marcia Venzke asked Clements if long-term research had been done to determine the effectiveness of Head Start for students. Clements said that although there was not a control group for a study, she did believe that Head Start is making a positive difference for students as they progress in their education.