The North Union Board of Education heard a report on the use of technology at its Monday night meeting.
Board members Kevin Crosthwaite and Dennis Hall were absent. Vice president Jean Wedding presided over the meeting.
Jared Evans, director of technology, and Kristi Matlack, technology coach, gave the presentation. They shared information about an “integration team.” This program first had to set a vision as to how and where technology can be used by teachers and students. They also set-up technology curriculum mapping, which identifies the gaps between the elementary, middle school and high school. The purpose is to engage students to learn what they will need for their future.
Another program called “Schoology” is a way to help communicate with staff and students. There are several sites where teachers can go to get ideas and aids to use in their lessons in the classroom. A monthly staff newsletter also shares technology tips, spotlights teachers and gives them a variety of opportunities to share with other teachers.
During the meeting, the October #NUPride Award was presented to Richwood area resident, Sean Kiess. Kiess and his family quickly became supporters of the community. He is a full-time fire fighter/EMT with the City of Columbus.
He was a chaperone last year when the eighth grade class took a trip to Washington DC. His medical knowledge was helpful when an issue came up with a student while on the trip. North Union Middle School Principal Matt Burggraf was grateful to have Kiess on the trip.
Kiess volunteered to ride in the ambulance with the students from the hotel to the hospital and stayed at the hospital overnight with the student. Burggraf was able to get everyone on the bus the next morning and joined Kiess and the student at the hospital. Kiess is also president of the North Union Baseball for Boys Little League organization and has coached for several years, teaching sportsmanship and basic core values of honesty, respect and leadership. Kiess was presented a plaque by Burggraf and North Union Superintendent Rich Baird.
In other business, the board;
-Set Nov. 20 as the next regular board meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the administrative board offices.
-Approved roofing repairs/restoration at the North Union High School (areas above the VoAg shop and the InTech Shop) at an estimate of $75,000 and the repair/restoration of the North Union Elementary (PVC low slope roof over the gym) an an estimate of $45,500 utilizing the State of Ohio Procurement contract. Work will be done in the summer of 2018.
-Approved employment of Dennis Millisor on a one-year limited expiring contract as a district computer technician.
-Approved a list of non-certified substitute personnel to be called on an as-needed basis for the 2017-2018 school year.
-Approved, for liability purposes, a list of volunteers for the 2017-2018 school year.
-Accepted a list of certified substitute personnel to be called on an as-needed basis for the 2017-2018 school.
-Allocated $500 to the Union County Drug Free Coalition for supplies and expenses for youth-to-youth programs.