LA VETA — The La Veta Board of Education called its regular meeting to order and went right to work on the current agenda. First up were a few action items that were voted and adopted such as second reading of the Graduation Requirement Phase-in Plan and the policy on Superintendent Evaluation. They also approved the first reading of the policy on school accreditation. There will be continued discussion on this policy. Superintendent Bree Lessar informed the board that the state had changed their ranking of academic achievement from “accredited with distinction” to “accredited.” This is a lower ranking than the ranking of the previous year. Lessar explained this is not a result of test scores, because scores were acceptable. The problem stemmed from a few individual tests that were considered invalid for “misadministration.” This occurs when a test is
misadministered for various reasons. Lessar asked the board to approve a motion allowing her to petition the state for reconsideration on the accreditation of the La Veta Schools. She has already looked into the process and feels that La Veta could be reinstated with the ranking of,”accredited with distinction.” The board approved the motion. Superintendent Lesser updated the board on CASB and their recommendations for district compliance. CASB submitted recommendations in a few areas that pertain to board procedure, and the board is already working to update procedure to meet the new standards. As new laws and policies are passed, CASB conducts regular evaluations and presents compliance strategies to the La Veta school district. Lessar reported on a recent Accountability meeting. Accountability met with the Communication Committee to better solve community concerns. One of the items addressed was the lack of staffing in the school office to answer phones. Parents have voiced frustration over the fact that they are rarely able to talk to a live person. Lessar explained that when Irene Heikes retired, they went to an automated phone system and that this is hurting the district. They are currently looking into solutions such as an improved website, a school app, an improved automated phone system, or a receptionist. Board member Kenny Schneider made the point,” A website is your front door.” The board members seemed to agree that an updated website would be beneficial, due to the fact that people these days go to a website first for information. In an effort to improve communications, the school is looking into a few other options such as an improved directory, customer service training for all staff, and a “plus one,” where a district staff member would attend school functions such as games, dinners, art shows and would invite someone that normally would not attend school activities. It is hoped that these efforts would improve communication between the school and the community. Homecoming week is coming up the week of October 6th. The students met with their class sponsors to plan the floats for the parade. This year the theme will be “Vintage Video Games.” The elementary will be having a walk-a-thon that week and parents are welcome to attend. As part of Homecoming week, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new play ground on October 9th at 4:30. The La Veta Booster Club will be hosting its annual Chili Super from 5 pm to 7 pm during the volleyball games. To see a complete schedule of homecoming week events, go to the school website at laveta.k12.co.us and click on the arrow link.
