B-H BOARD TALKS REPORT CARD

    The Britton-Hecla Board of Education met Monday night, hearing updates on student performance, staffing, and district policies.
    School counselor Sheila Anderson presented the district’s latest test scores and report card results. She noted that 47% of students tested proficient in English Language Arts, slightly above the state average. In math, 38% of students were proficient, which falls below the state average, while 58% of students were proficient in science—above the state average. Board members discussed the data, asked questions, and shared ideas for improvement. A more detailed story on this discussion will appear in a future Journal.
    In staffing matters, the board accepted the resignation of custodian Hunter Groff.
Other discussion items included the results of the recent Employee Satisfaction Survey, which were described as overall positive. The board plans to review responses more closely to identify specific areas for improvement.
    The board also discussed the possibility of creating a formal Student Code of Conduct. Current policies reference such a code, but one has not yet been adopted. Members considered what form the code might take and how it would fit with existing policies.
    In his superintendent’s report, Steve Benson talked about several policy considerations, including confidentiality agreements for substitutes and volunteers, the need for a cell phone policy considering future state legislation on the matter, and the development of a staff handbook.
    The board entered two executive sessions for personnel and negotiations. No action was taken afterward.
    The next regular meeting of the Britton-Hecla Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 8.