DECATUR — During the regularly scheduled meeting of the Decatur School Board on Nov. 19, Larry Ben, district superintendent, Deborah Coffer, high school principal, Jeff Gravette, Northside Elementary School principal, and Mitch Wilber, federal program administrator, all reported several items of good news for the district.

Ben reported that enrollment for the Decatur school system has reached 550 (as of Nov. 18). This was the highest recorded enrollment number since the school consolidation issue in 2009. The continued growth within the district indicates the public confidence in Decatur Schools.

There were also several individuals and groups from Northside Elementary and Decatur High who received recognition for accomplishments in the district in October and November.

Northside Elementary sixth grade gifted and talented economics students placed in the top 30 out of 79 area teams for their business plan and product development which earned them a trip to the World Trade Expo at the Northwest Arkansas Mall in Fayetteville on Nov. 15.

“They presented their plan to a large group, which gave them the experience of speaking to a large group and presenting a business plan,” Ben stated.

The students, under thesupervision of Melissa Mitchell, went through product development, manufacture and marketing of a product called “Ban Bracelet.” They sold over 200 bracelets since it went on the market. They are now in the process of filling the orders and, once this is complete, the class will move on to another project.

Two students from the band program made the 2013 ASBOA All-region junior high jazz band. Ryan Shaffer made fi rst chair alto sax, and Jaffett Puga made third chair trombone. Both attended the clinic and performed in a concert at Lincoln Junior High School in Bentonville on Nov. 9.

The eight-member Decatur delegation of the Arkansas Student Congresswent to the state meeting at the capitol in Little Rock on Nov. 18. Four members of the delegation won awards and pins during the two day event.

Food service manager, Margo Barnes, gave a presentation on the preparation and service of meals to Northside Elementary and Decatur High students. With the increase in enrollment this school year, breakfast and lunch meal service is on the increase. Barnes also reported that the district is in compliance with federal school nutrition guidelines.

The Decatur school board meets on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the old elementary school building next to the high school. The public is invited to attend.

Opinion, Pages 7 on 11/27/2013