Hope School Board Special Meeting

The Hope School Board met for a Special Called Meeting on Wednesday (8-16).

CAST Professional Learning Services was the first topic. This is the same program the district had last year. Hope Public Schools are ahead of the curve with innovative teaching being implemented. The program has a universal design for learning. It is a 2-3 year model for all staff members.  Last year three new principals and 30-35 teachers were trained. The goal is to teach another 30-35 teachers this year.  Linda Haynes made a motion to accept the continuation of the program which was seconded and passed.

The next item was the VIsa H1B program to be able to rehire foreign teachers who have already worked with the district.  Fees which the district will pay will be coupled with a memorandum of understanding after they get approved by immigration.  This route is a more traditional immigration which can transition to green card status.  Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Crossley  noted the district didn’t want to make a habit of obtaining employees this way as it ultimately not sustainable.   A fee for the five teachers was reviewed by the Board. This is a fee that the School District would be required to cover.  If the teachers decide not to complete the three-year period their wages would be garnished. These teachers have expressed an interest in settling in the Hope area.  Jimmy  Courtney made a motion to accept the invoice for the law office of the immigration attorney. This motion was seconded and passed

The next topic was the payment of band funds and equipment. The district is looking to provide exposure specifically for musical equipment.

There were three quotes. The cheapest was from Cooper. Linda Haynes made a motion to accept the recommendation. This was seconded and passed.

Facilities rental for the cheerleaders for football was proposed and Linda Haynes made a motion to accept which was seconded and passed

The annual renewal of the Go Guardian online services was proposed and Jimmy Courtney made a motion to accept the invoice from Howard Technologies for this service. This motion was seconded and passed.

Dr. Crossley added a third name to list of potential employees making the District very close to being fully staffed.

The School Board went into executive session for the personnel packet. Mr. Powers made a motion to accept the packet which was seconded and passed.

The meeting adjourned.