School board completes self-assessment

The Hillsboro City Schools Board of Education filled out a self-assessment from the Ohio School Board Association during a meeting held Wednesday at Hillsboro High School. 

The A-Z assessment allows the school boards to measure ares in which have made improvement, and areas that still need work. 

Board president Laura Bagshaw read the questions of the survey and the other board members gave feedback. 

The board members determined that they demonstrated areas of academic improvement, recognition of achievement, teamwork, keeping the district budget in line with priorities and resources, considering and enacting new policies, and attending sessions for additional learning.

The board said that they could improve recognizing achievement, and will include a standing item on each board agenda to honor a student or teacher. 

Additionally, they felt they needed improvement in areas such as keeping the district website updated, communicating with the community, evaluating the superintendent and treasurer on predetermined goals with measurable results, meeting with local officials regarding the needs of students, 

Following the assessment, the board voted to go into executive session to discuss personnel evaluations. 

In other business, the board: 

• Voted to allow the district to proceed "to the next step" regarding a new retirement plan. Superintendent Rick Earley said that step was essentially allowing representatives to come in and speak to teachers who had been with the district more than ten years. If the employees are interested, they can speak to counselors regarding how their retirement would be effected, but the board would still have to determine if the plan would be the best thing for the district. 

• Accepted the resignation of David White as the director of the musical. White will remain as an instructor at HHS.

• Approved the addition to two people to the substitute list. 

• Approved medical leave for two individuals.