Board expected to hire coaches; implement grading system

The board will consider hiring Kelly Blair as the head boys and girls golf coach for the 2014 season. Blair, a 2012 Falls High graduate, will replace Bill Mason, who resigned from the position in August after 18 years as the coach.

In addition to Blair, the board will consider the hire of Steve Johnson as the assistant boys and girls golf coach.

Also on Monday’s agenda is the consideration of rehiring Jay Boyle as the assistant girl’s basketball coach.

Boyle’s rehiring had initially been put on hold during the summer when a committee comprised of school administrators and three board members was formed to look into the implications of teachers who coach three consecutive sports, taking them out of the classroom too often.

Board members voted in June to rehire Shawn Gilbert as the head girls basketball coach when they held off making a decision on the assistant coaching position, which was then posted for anyone to apply.

Then in September, the board agreed to remove from its agenda the recommendation to rehire Boyle for the position because another applicant wasn’t given an interview. The position was then reposted a second time.

The board will also consider implementing a weighted grading system beginning during the second semester of the 2013-2014 school year.

A weighted grading system offers an equal credit for a lower grade in a more difficult class. Upperclassmen in these classes would have 0.5 points added to grades A-C.

The student-generated idea has been researched by students and presented at several past board meetings. A committee was established to fine tune the idea and selected a model it felt would best work for the district.

Also Monday, Beth Shermoen, sixth grade teacher at West End Elementary, is expected to present a report on legislation and progress of a bullying policy. A referral form is expected to be presented to the board for its adoption.

Jennifer Windels, a Blue Ribbon Panel member, is scheduled to present a proposal to a consulting firm to address long-range planning for the district.

The Blue Ribbon Panel, is a made up of 22 community members who meet to brainstorm ideas to better the Falls school district. In August, Windels suggested that a professional consultant be hired to best discuss what kinds of goals need to be set for the district and how to communicate those goals with community members.

Superintendent Nordy Nelson and principals of each school are also expected to give reports.

At the beginning of each regular school board meeting, an open forum allows members of the public to fill out a comment card and address the board on any topic they choose.