Nixon-Smiley ISD discuses sex trafficking awareness program

Nixon-Smiley school board met Monday, April 11, to discuss several items of import to the community and school district.

N-SISD Deputy Superintendent Jane Dwyer updated the board on the Elementary Targeted Improvement Plan with the latest assessments showing student scores surpassing the targeted goals. Both Reading Academy and State Assessment schedules were discussed, as they pertain to the remainder of the year.

Information was then shared by Dwyer regarding a safety meeting held March 24 and the showing of the Ransomed Life student presentation, regarding awareness of sex trafficking, to students in grades 7-12. The safety meeting dissemination of information continued with plans regarding law enforcement presence being increased in the parking lots after away games. These officers will be present in the parking lots until students have safely dispersed.

Technology Director Sarah Loer gave an update on the connectivity project with Frontier. The project provides an opportunity for Nixon-Smiley students to receive free in home internet service beginning August 2022 and continuing through the school year until June 2023. The only requirement, outside of student registration status, would be that homes must reside in the Frontier service to receive this benefit.

Superintendent Jeff VanAuken noted both enrollment and attendance are on the rise during the Superintendent’s report.

The board approved a budget amendment to purchase data plans, also approved were allowance for the superintendent to increase the micro-purchase threshold from $10,000 to $50,000. The board approved a call for bids on motor fuel and propane, as well as approving the renewal of teacher contracts as presented by the administration.

The board was recognized for exceeding the required continuing education credit hours, literally across the board, for 2021-2022.

The board also approved the exclusion of any COVID-related absences from the Teacher Excellence stipend for the Nixon-Smiley 2022 spring semester, allowing teachers who have otherwise met the requirements of the stipend with less than five non-COVID absences to receive the stipend.