​School Board meeting recap

by Cole Arndorfer
 
The Grain Valley Schools Board of Education met on Thursday, October 17th for its October monthly business meeting.
 
The board recognized Grain Valley High School senior Drew Melching, who was named a National Merit semi-finalist. The National Merit program honors the top performing high school students in the country and the top three percent of students who take the PSAT exam qualify to be a National Merit Scholar.
 
“Drew has consistently demonstrated his academic prowess throughout his high school career,” Grain Valley High School Principal Drew Smith said. “He has challenged himself with the most rigorous course load available, including numerous Advanced Placement courses and honors courses."
 
 Following the recognition, the board heard a report from the district’s librarians. The report allowed the board to see some of the initiatives the libraries in the district are doing with the students, including author/illustrator visits, teaching how to read and write about books, services that allow teachers to show different videos in class and comply with copyright laws, and special events and themes that are held in the libraries.
 
Superintendent Dr. Brad Welle gave the board an update on student attendance numbers, discussed the culture and climate surveys that are being given to staff, students, and families, as well as highlighted the academic and support services reports for the month.
 
Moving into new business, the board approved a budget amendment to increase the budget for continuing education for faculty members moving up the pay schedule.
 
The board briefly discussed two sets of board policies to be discussed by the board more in depth at their next workshop, then be brought back at the next monthly meeting.
 
The next Board of Education meeting will take place on November 21, 2024 at 6:00pm at the Leadership Center.