Communications Department
Highlights of the November 14, 2006 Board of Education Meeting
Board Action Items
Recognition of Commended, Semifinalists in National Merit Scholarship Program
The board recognized 14 Olentangy students for their achievement in the National Merit Scholarship Program. This is a district record for the number of students achieving in the program.
For more information visit www.olentangy.k12.oh.us/district/comm/C1773108384/E20060915110319/
Superintendent's Report
Third Grade Reading Achievement Scores Beat Comparison District Average
Preliminary data from the October 2006 administration of the Third Grade Reading Achievement Test indicate that Olentangy’s district average score is higher than that of our 20 state comparison school districts.
The state standard for proficient by March for Report Card purposes is 75 percent. Olentangy exceeds that requirement in the first administration of the testing at 78 percent scoring at proficient or above.
This is the first year in which Olentangy bested the average scores of our comparison districts.
WCES Receives Award for Top Five Percent of Academic Growth with Students
Walnut Creek Elementary School (WCES) was honored yesterday as a Battelle for Kids 2006 SOAR Award Winner for High Progress. The school was one of only 16 statewide to achieve this award.
WCES earned this award for placing among the top five percent of these schools making exceptional academic growth with students over an extended period of time.
Discussion Items
Development Committee Update
The Development Committee discussed options for upcoming bond issues and recommended that the next bond issue include Elementary # 13 and renovations to Olentangy High School (OHS).
David King, chair, suggested that OHS should be expanded to maximize use of the facility. It is expected that expanding the building could eliminate the need to construct a fifth high school.
Andy Kerr, director of facilities, commented that if a bond issue for this facility does not go forward then significant capital improvement dollars would need to be spent on the facility.
An additional option was presented to add another bus facility. The board asked for additional operational information on the benefits of doing this now versus 2009.
Five-Year Financial Forecast Report
Becky Jenkins, treasurer, presented more detailed information on staffing within the current forecast.
Teri Meider, board president, commented that this financial forecast is significant because it shows that six months ago, the district was looking at a double-digit operating millage request. The expected millage request is expected to come in much lower due to a realization of economies of scale due to Olentangy’s size.
Meider stated that Olentangy only requests additional operating funds when they are really needed.