The Hollister School District Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday
night was relatively quiet, with two presentations taking up most
of the meeting’s time.
The Hollister School District Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday night was relatively quiet, with two presentations taking up most of the meeting’s time.
The only gloomy part of the meeting was a presentation by Liz Talbot of the county Office of Education summarizing the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
“This is a very ambitious law,” said district Superintendent Judith Barranti. “Its requirements are astonishing.”
The 1,200-page act focuses on accountability, choice, information, qualifications and flexibility. Among its requirements:
-All teachers must meet “highly qualified” criteria by 2005-06.
-The opportunity to transfer from “persistently dangerous” schools.
-Prohibition of distribution of “sexual” products with funds.
-An increased amount of standard assessments.
-All school sub-groups must make “adequate yearly progress.”
-All students must meet a “proficient level” no later than 2013-14.
“It’s not good news, unfortunately,” Talbot said at the end of the presentation.
R.O. Hardin School personnel reported on the elementary school’s instructional program, highlighting what it offers to students and parents.
There was no public comment at the meeting.
The Board approved 11 consent agenda items that included three field trips, personnel actions and district warrants.
Each Board member gave a report on their activities and Barranti gave a report covering health insurance changes approved by the county’s Joint Powers Authority, and another on kindergarten enrollment numbers. As of March 27, the district had 525 children enrolled in kindergarten – 77 percent of enrollment.
Earlier, the Board reported on closed session activities. Members approved an administrator’s request to return to the classroom, approved an administrator’s leave request, denied certificated leave requests and approved an early retirement plan.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 27 at 6 p.m. at the district office.
