Advance R-IV School Board sets tax rate, takes tour, meets new teachers

MADELINEDEJOURNETTadvancensc@sbcglobal.net The new Advance High School gym floor features a new hornet logo.

The Advance Board of Education kept their August 11, 2014 meeting brief, in order to take a walk through the physical plant and inspect the improvements made during the summer.

Several significant changes are being made this year, many of which have been required by State and Federal rules.

Parents and other visitors to the school will find that new security rules will require that all visitors must "buzz in" through locked doors. The visitor's face will appear on a screen in one of several offices, where a school official will have to give permission before anyone can enter.

MADELINEDEJOURNETTadvancensc@sbcglobal.net New teachers at Advance High School are (L-R) Lauren Beard, band; Ian Whitson, history; and Paula Tice, junior high language arts.

"These are changes which are mandated by the State," explained High School Principal Shana Kight.

The Advance system has also updated their wireless system.

A change that will affect both parents and students is the new attendance policy, as school systems around the nation struggle to meet the new requirement that 90 percent of the student enrollment must be in attendance 90 percent of the time.

"An absence is an absence, whether it's 'excused' or 'unexcused' educators have said.

This school year will involve a period of adjustment.

Another less controversial improvement is the addition of new furniture to several of the rooms.

Three new teachers will come on board this year. Board members met them in their rooms, after the board meeting. New teacher orientation was conducted last week. Each new teacher has been assigned a mentor.

Mr. Ian Whitson will be teaching high school history; Ms. Lauren Beard will teach band; and Ms. Paula Tice will teach junior high Language Arts.

Summer school was discussed very briefly. Enrollment was approximately 100, which is down from previous years.

The first part of the Monday board meeting was dedicated to the required tax rate hearing. The Advance RIV tax rate will remain the same as last year--3.661, with 2.997 operating and .3774 debt service.

Much discussion revolved around the extensive work that the teachers have done to finalize district goals. Board members were given copies of the goals to study. At a later date, board members will discuss the goals with teachers and administrators to reach a consensus.

Board members adjourned early in order to tour the building.