The West Central Valley School Board met in regular session Wednesday.

The Board officially adopted the budget for the 2018-2019 school year as presented. The tax rate is set at $14.01/1000. They also approved the budget guarantee resolution for property tax levies and a resolution authorizing the redemption of general obligation bonds.

The meeting then moved to the regular session where special education teacher Becca Jacobson addressed the Board on the need for additional guidance counselors in the district. The middle and both elementary schools currently do not have a dedicated guidance counselor, though Superintendent Dr. David Arnold is certified in grades 5-12. No formal action was taken at this time, however Arnold and the rest of the administrators will look into steps to improve that area.

The Board also reviewed academic assessments for each building. Stuart Elementary Principal Cory Wenthe is pleased with the good marks from his students, however he is concerned about one particular area for both buildings. “We showed growth in everything except Fifth Grade science. That’s something that I kind of want to look at. Fifth grade didn’t quite show as much growth compared to the other ones (Third and Fourth). I think that would be something we would have to look at to see if that’s a trend.”

The middle school has mostly above state average marks, while the high school has more mixed results. Other approved action items include: a trip request for the FFA State Convention; an application to acquire a purchase card; and a resolution adopting the Dallas County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.  

The meeting concluded with a closed session for teacher salary negotiations. After the negotiations the Board approved an increase of $1,175 in base pay and a freeze to vertical movement.

In addition to the regular meeting next month, the Board approved a fiscal workshop for 6pm and a budget amendment hearing at 6:45.