Wrangell Public School officials are continuing to shape a plan for the district’s future.
The school board held its work session Tuesday night to discuss the district’s strategic plan, which will serve as a road map for how the schools assess and teach students as well as the district’s plans for professional development for teachers and the schools’ interactions with parents and the community as a whole.
Board officials pointed out specific areas where they would like to focus such as providing additional assistance to students who are struggling in classes, enhancing a physical education program for the entire district and making sure teachers, staff and parents have better access to students’ Power School accounts. Members pointed out parents have had issues with the program in the past. Rick Groshong said teachers may need additional training with the system.
“It was a big concern, and it’s not just with the board, it’s with all the parents. You know, I’ve constantly heard it’s not updated. It was supposed to help, so I’d like to see something or some discussion with teachers and see what we can do to make that program better,” he said.
Board President Susan Eagle said she would like to make the system more convenient for parents who have more than one student in the schools by providing a single page with all their information rather than making parents sift through numerous accounts. She also mentioned the need to keep bullying prevention as a priority for the schools.
In other official business, board members approved contract supplements for Monty Buness, Jennifer Miller, Ray Stokes and Therese Pempek. Buness will receive an additional $4,375 to serve as activities director. Miller will receive another $1,750 to continue work as a community schools coordinator. Stokes’ salary bump of $4,968 is for teaching a section of high school algebra, and Pempek will receive an additional $6,750 for her work as the Upward Bound director, which is funded through a grant.
The next regular school board meeting is set for October 15.
