DECATUR-The Decatur School Board met July 15, marking the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. A review of the 2012-2013 test scores and new policy guidelines for the coming school year were the main topics for the evening.

Decatur High School principal, Suzy Coffer, presented the Benchmark test scores for grades seven through 11. The tests were divided into several categories, math, English, literacy, geometry, algebra and biology. According to Coffer, there was a marked improvement in most of the categories. However the numbers were still slightly below State of Arkansas standards. A few, like eleventh grade biology test scores, were above the state average.

Coffer also compiled the Benchmark test scores for Northside Elementary second through sixth grades. In the categories of math, English and science, there was a marked improvement in the scores for each grade level compared to previous years. However, as with the high school,Northside was still under state averages. Science showed improvement in the sixth grade level overall, equalling state scores.

While Coffer and Northside Elementary principal, Jeff Gravette, were pleased with the improvements made during the 2012-2013 school year, both agree that they will not be satisfied until the district catches up to the state averages. Coffer and Gravette vow that they will do everything in their power to better the education of every Decatur student in the coming school year.

New changes in Arkansas School Policy Guidelines prompted a review by the school board. Decatur Schools superintendent, Larry Ben, read each policy section. After a brief question and answer review, the board voted on each item. Once school board president, Ike Owens, was satisfied that the members understood each item, he called for a general vote to adopt the entire guideline manual. The district approved all points and has adopted the new guidelines to be in effect immediately. Each school principal will cover the new policy guidelines just before the beginning of school.

Several of the policies have addressed the organization of the school board itself. They cover such items as board organization, board member voting, policy formulation, meeting agenda and staff development programs. Most of the remaining policies pertain to student, teacher and employee conduct.

One policy guideline that merited intense discussion was that of volunteers. Because of the recent misconduct involving volunteer/student interaction around the United States, the State of Arkansas requires volunteers to submit to a background check. This guideline is needed to protect students against predators of all types.

The debate in the Decatur School Board was whether to require volunteers to pay for their background checks and how long should they be good. The school board decided the district will pay for the checks. They also decided that the background checks will be good for four years.

The district hired eight new employees for the 2013-2014 school year. They are: Allyson Carter, elementary; Jessica Vest, English; Zachary Vest, social studies; Elaine Christman, science/distance learning; Amanda Tilghman, science/distance learning; Gina Holt, high school secretary; Mary Wilkins, cafeteria; and Heidi Bryan, cafeteria.

In other actions the Decatur School District:

◊Approved the purchase of a Trane 10 ton air handler for the high school cafeteria.

◊Accepted the transfer request of three students from Gravette to Decatur.

◊Approved the transfer request of three students from Decatur to Gentry.

◊Approved the transfer request of one student from Decatur to Gravette.

◊Approved an agreement between Gravette and Decatur School Districts to share the K-12 vocal/band teacher through 2014.

◊Approved the Election Commission Resolution on the polling site for the upcoming school board elections in September.

◊Approved the hiring of a bus driver/maintenance employee.

News, Pages 11 on 07/24/2013