Beyond Textbooks Program ‘Revolutionizes Teaching’

TIS is piloting the Galileo program this year. “I am able to look at scores on Galileo and know what I’m teaching next week,” said Hatch. “I don’t have to wait for AIMS (Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards) scores. It’s a great tool for us.”

Hatch talked about the weekly planning time and thanked board members for approving half-day Fridays, saying, “They are very helpful for us. We’re not wasting them.”

“I’m more engaged with the students and they’re more engaged with me,” Hatch continued.

He also noted that the more experienced teachers share their knowledge in staff meetings and the newer teachers share their new skills. “It will forever change my teaching,” said Hatch.

“I think this is a program that will help us go from good to great,” said Merrell, who thanked board members for their support of the program.

In other business March 8, the board was advised that maintenance department workers found in October that two heating and cooling units that supply air to the gym at Snowflake Junior High School were not working. They discussed this with representatives of three companies, who said it would be more expensive to repair them than to replace them. The goal is to have these units replaced during summer break.

Taylor Elementary School has 13 heating units with swamp coolers attached that are more than 40 years old. This has caused cracks in the heat exchangers, which creates carbon monoxide, and the temperature in classrooms has been as high as 90 degrees.

The board unanimously approved a request to obtain sealed bids for the heating and cooling units for SJHS and replacing heaters at TES. This money will come out of the $400,000 in soft capital.

A request to repair and resurface the Snowflake High School track was discussed, as well as putting in a turf football field. Merrell reported that the district received a $105,173.66 proposal from Mohave Educational, and the subcontractor would be General Acrylics, Inc. of Phoenix. Merrell said that it could go one more year but not more than that without costing more to make repairs.

There was discussion on the flooding issue caused by construction of the new fire station, and board members indicated they would have to work on this with the Town of Snowflake. Board member Jonni Lewis suggested this be tabled until they get estimates on the coolers, because the money would come from the same fund. The item was tabled until the next meeting.

Navajo County Treasurer Manny Hernandez requested once again that the school district establish a line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank. The state’s recent accounting practices defer the payment of state aid to a different fiscal year, which causes the district to borrow funds near the end of the year.

Business Manager Mark Ollerton said that last year they were able to use the line of credit in June and pay it back in June, so they did not pay interest.

The board unanimously approved establishing the line of credit.

A position held by Clifton Crow, who was originally hired for the grounds department, was reclassified from N-4 to Q-4 because he has also been working in the maintenance department.

Board member Lewis volunteered to sit on the energy audit committee, which will review four proposals from companies and participate in the oral interviews on Monday, March 12.

The board held the first reading of policy changes recommended by the Arizona School Boards Association. Merrell noted that most were required by legislation, but staff use of digital communications and electronic devices had not been brought to the administrations, so prior to the second reading Merrell will discuss this with them and, if necessary, make recommendations at the time of the second reading.