A special meeting was called to discuss Long Range Planning by the West Franklin USD #287 Board of Education, and was held December 3, 2003, at the Education Center.

The following board members were present: Mr. Neal Baker, Mrs. Nancy Reed, Mrs. Janie Dillon, Mrs. Sheila Anderson, Mr. Randy Hermreck. Also present were: Superintendent Susan Myers, Pomona High School principal Royce Powelson, Pomona Elementary/Middle School principal Jody Cole, Williamsburg principal Tracy Maring, West Franklin Learning Center principal Robert Allen, Appanoose principal Rick Smith, Robin Nitcher, and deputy clerk Cherree Keeton.

President Neal Baker called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m... To open discussion, Mr. Baker listed several areas that need to be considered in long range planning. He then asked the principals for their input.

Principal Royce Powelson said his greatest concerns for the future were IEPs and finding alternate methods for new types of students that school districts will have in the future. A broader range of vocational areas need to be offered so students that are not college bound are ready to enter the workforce when they graduate from high school. Another concern is lack of space for sports practices.

Principal Jody Cole's biggest concerns are lack of space in her buildings. As more services for students are added at the request of the state, there are not enough rooms to house those services.

Principal Tracy Maring said Williamsburg enrollment is now at 290 students. Her problems are immediate. The fifth grade and kindergarten rooms are at maximum capacity. The art class has been moved back out to the room by the wood shop and the dust gets into the students' paintings. The Woods/Arts building is worn out. Discipline problems are rising because of lack of room.

Principal Rick Smith has 2 classes in ½ classroom settings this year. Appanoose doesn't have the problems with sports practices that the other schools have because of the old Appanoose school building gymnasium. However, the old school is in need of repair and that needs to be addressed. Another area of concern is additional training for middle school teachers because of new state mandates. Appanoose, like the other schools, is in need of space.

Randy Hermreck suggested pursuing a grant for the old Appanoose building as a historic landmark. Also, he brought up that a lot of families move here so their children can attend smaller schools and receive more individual attention.

There was a consensus to have the superintendent contact Kent Stewart, a facility assessment strategist from Manhattan, to present to the board. The board will decide at that time whether to hire him for a study of the facilities of West Franklin.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

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Cherree Keeton, Deputy Board Clerk Neal Baker, Board President

(Minutes are not offical until approved at the following board meeting.)