Students command board’s attention
Madison Board of Education saw proof of hard work, ingenuity and dedication at its last meeting for the 2011-2012 school year.
Scores of students from all Madison campuses attended and were recognized for outstanding academic and extracurricular work during the year.
Principals and team sponsors introduced science fair winners and award-winning teams in math, Destination Imagination and LEGO robotics. The Deep Six and MIST (Masters In Solutions Technology) underwater robotics teams from Liberty Middle School demonstrated their submergible gear.
Fowler said none of the team’s successes could be accomplished without collaboration among teachers, students and parents.
B. Dwayne Craft, drama instructor at Bob Jones High School, presented the cast and technical staff of “The Drowsy Professor,” which earned first place in Southeastern Theater Conference (SETC) competition. Bob Jones has won the title four times. The Chattanooga drama festival attracted 5,000 students attending schools in 10 Southeastern states.
“We have more trophies in our trophy case than any school in the Southeast,” Craft said who teaches drama with Mary Davis. Student co-director Rachel Gilbert said, “It’s important to emphasize how much of this work is student-led.” Bob Jones dramatists developed the one-act play’s script collaboratively.
In other SETC top honors, Bob Jones won runner-up to best show; Brandon Mallet as Best Actor; Best Direction; All-Star Cast selections; and Best Technical Production.
Board members approved policies for third-party work and for intellectual property that school employees create. “We’re protecting our interests and our property,” board member Connie Spears said.
Financial and bank reconciliation statements for March, as presented by Jana Gray, were approved. The board agreed on a merchant application for the district with First Commercial Bank, which will allow credit card payments to be accepted for fees on school campuses.
The system’s fund balance exceeds $50 million. “Revenue was flat this year, but flat is better than going down,” Phil Schmidt said.
During superintendent’s comments, Fowler praised the Spring Art Fair at Bob Jones.
