“You used to hear that, ‘It’s 10 o’clock. Do you know where your child is?’ That’s not the question. ‘It’s 4 o’clock. Do you know where your child is?’ That period from 4 to 6 is a critical time for middle and high school kids, and I sure hope we can get some program through the YMCA that will help meet that need.” Hardin County Board of Education Chairwoman Kay Sharon on the district allowing its space to be used for YMCA activities. From the Elizabethtown News-Enterprise.
“The answer is spending the money in the most efficient ways and finding where you need more money like early childhood investment (and) investing in low-performing schools to make sure we help them reach a level for all kids. The best investment we can make is helping the teachers we have. We have undercut the training and support of existing teachers. We used to spend about $25 per student supporting existing teachers; now we spend less than $4 per student.” Education Commissioner Terry Holliday on what he sees as the top priorities in helping improve academics at persistently low-achieving schools. From Pure Politics, a Louisville-produced interview program that airs on Insight CATV systems across the state.
“All they had to do was ask for a meeting with me and they would learn that I have made contact and met individually with several potential minority candidates in efforts to bring them to our district since being here. It is important to note that applicants do not indicate ethnicity on our applications. This means that unless candidates for any position are known to those who are looking to hire, we don’t have any way of knowing whether or not a candidate is a minority.” Danville Independent Schools Superintendent Carmen Coleman on local NAACP concerns about the high school principal search and a graduate who wasn’t interviewed. From the Danville Advocate-Messenger.
“We ended up with, technically, more of our students in Science Hill, and we didn’t mind. We just got together and said, ‘Why don’t we just do an any-and-all contract?’” Somerset Independent Schools Superintendent Boyd Randolph on an agreement between his district and Science Hill Independent allowing any student residing in one district to enroll in the other, in what Science Hill Superintendent Rick Walker called, “Whoever shows up, we’ll teach,” deal. From the Somerset Commonwealth-Journal.
“Society’s perception of education in Japan is that there is a high percentage of intelligent students. Professors at Toyama University quickly dispelled that myth. I was told not to expect any questions as Japanese audiences are known to listen politely and not contribute. We were all very surprised when hands went up in the audience. I noticed many people leaning forward in their seats, absorbing every word of the translator. I could sense the interest and sometimes amazement as I described gifted education in the elementary, middle and high school settings.” Marshall County Schools Director of Gifted Services Toddie Adams on her experiences lecturing on U.S. gifted education during a symposium in Japan. From the Benton Marshall County Tribune-Courier.
“Some people in the community are afraid that could lead to a perpetual contract, but it’s not. The board can vote each year to take it out or not accept the rollover. I suggested at the June 5 meeting they take the rollover clause out because it was a point of contention to the board. Just take it out. I’m here to 2015. I’m good with that.” Muhlenberg County Schools Superintendent Dale Todd on his contract extension that previously included a permissible rollover option. From the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer.
“We thought, when we said (to) replace all the windows, that this was included. This is why I say, ‘Speak plain English.’ We don’t like it when we have surprises that cost us money.” Carter County Board of Education Chairman Randy Stegall pulling no punches in telling construction firm representatives of the board’s displeasure with a nearly $27,000 bill for additional expenses in an elementary school renovation project. From the Grayson Journal-Times.
“If you let them drop out, they will. We needed to find ways to engage these students and give them options; that is the key. Now that they’re 17 or 18 years old, they’re past all the high school drama and they want to focus on moving to the next stage of their lives.” Madison Central High School Principal Elmer Thomas on the night school program at his school, part of a Madison County Schools’ push that has reduced dropouts from 51 in 2010-11 to six last year. From the Richmond Register.
“I am ecstatic. It is hard to put into words. It really validates a lot of what I have done. Ironically, last year my wife was one of the state finalists in science for the elementary level. We are hoping she makes it all the way next time.” Deming High School (Robertson County) science teacher Joshua Underwood on being one of 97 educators selected as 2012 recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. From the Maysville Ledger-Independent.
“Interscholastic sports is the absolute best opportunity to ensure students stay involved representing their school, and maintain better academic and attendance records, all of which are critically important to the academic goals of our Commonwealth.” Kentucky High School Athletics Association Commissioner Julian Tackett on the KHSAA annual report that counted more than 70,000 students involved in competitive school sports in 2011-12. From the Lexington WLEX-TV News.
“The graduates of our academy will have a head start compared to their peers when applying for college and medical programs. I am amazed at the community support we have received for this program.” Paris Independent High School Principal Jami Daley on her school’s selection as the state’s first Academy of Health Science by the National Academy Foundation. From the Paris Bourbon County Citizen-Advertiser.