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Superintendent highlights awards, rising ACT averages and staffing needs at Webster Area 18-5
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Block recognized counselors and staff awards, reported a legislative update and noted a need for a fourth certified special education teacher as special education enrollment reached 85 students; the board also heard about a successful drivers'ed pilot and improved ACT results.
Superintendent Doctor Block told the Webster Area School Board the district is recognizing staff and that several operational items are progressing, including a strong response to a new drivers'ed offering and increasing special education enrollment.
Block opened with acknowledgements: he recognized Chelsea Larson (grades 9'12) and Tina Norton (K'8) for National Counselors Week, named Bonnie Lutz as support-staff member of the year and Missy Hormez as teacher of the year. "We appreciate what those 2 do as well," Block said, referencing the counselors.
On testing and enrollment, a board member reported the district's average ACT score rose from 19.7 last year to 22.9 this year; 24 students took the test last year and 25 this year. Block said special education enrollment has grown to 85 students and that the district is seeking to add a fourth certified special-education teacher for next year.
The principal's report noted a drivers'ed pilot that "filled up" immediately, with 36 students attending on the first day despite a 25-student cap, prompting district leaders to call it a "guinea pig year" for the evening offering. Block and other leaders said they will monitor financial structure and scheduling for the program.
On legislative matters, Block said he saw little movement on education funding items during his recent visits but observed a reported statewide revenue increase "like $20,000,000," and said he did not yet know how that would affect education funding.
The superintendent and trustees also discussed NESC cooperative staffing (assistant director resignation) and possible administrative restructuring, but no final action was taken at the meeting.
Next steps: the district will pursue hiring to address SPED staffing needs and continue monitoring the drivers'ed pilot and legislative developments.
