BOARD SEEKS COMMENT ON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

JACKSON -- The Board of Education will hold public meetings in December concerning the future of the district's Gordonville and Millersville elementary facilities.

The district is seeking community input on possible changes in the grade configurations at the schools.

"That will be vital information, in my opinion, as we consider how we will use those sites in the future," said district superintendent Dr. Howard Jones.

During its regular meeting Tuesday night at Jackson Middle School, the board also tabled proposed amendments to the 1997-98 district budget until next month.

Before winning voter approval of a bond issue to build new schools, the district made a commitment to voters to listen to their concerns before instituting changes at Millersville and Gordonville, Jones said.

"We promised we would not make any decisions about those facilities without public comment," he said.

The district will also examine the number of students in the various grade levels at the facilities and cost concerns before making a decision.

"We don't have any preconceived notions about what we have to do," Jones said. "We want discussion and to determine what factors need to be considered."

The Gordonville meeting will be Monday, Dec. 1, with the Millersville meeting following on Thursday, Dec. 4. Both meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the respective facilities.

The Millersville school houses grades one through four while Gordonville accommodates grades one through three.

Concerning the budget for the current school year, the school board honored a request by Jones to table action on proposed budget amendments until the board's December meeting. Jones said more time was needed to fine-tune the changes.

"The district's budget is looking in even better shape than when we did budget projections in June," Jones said.

The board also accepted minor changes to the contract for the construction of the new South Elementary School.

The first change will allow for a different type of lighting to be installed and result in no additional cost. The second alteration will cost an additional $900 for the installation of improved circuitry.

Jackson Board of Education

Tuesday, Nov. 11

Action Items

-- Tabled amendments to the 1997-98 budget.

-- Approved change orders -- different light fixtures, improved circuitry -- for South Elementary.

-- Approved establishment of public meetings regarding the long term use of Gordonville and Millersville facilities.

-- Authorized board to sign a deed of dedication with the city of Jackson for a well site.

Information Items

-- Report from the Missouri School Board Association Conference attendees.

-- Report regarding the annual public reporting of information.

-- Assistant superintendent for curriculum and personnel report.

-- Assistant superintendent for finance and support services report.

-- Superintendent's report.