The lack of reliable ISTEP scores has all of Indiana schools frustrated.
As of Nov. 4, parents were told they could view their child’s scores before the schools received them, the Manchester School Board heard Tuesday. However, many parents said it was not available. Those that have been able to see the scores cannot trust these results because it will have to be reset.
The board did receive a document containing the results of the scores the day of the meeting, but the file was so corrupt most could not open it or it was incomprehensibly jumbled and scattered.
The outcome that will come of this is a lack of a proper teacher’s evaluation, the board heard. A high percentage of their assessment comes from the scores of their students. Without these scores this will send nearly every teacher into a “D” or “F” ranking.
“This is very demoralizing to our staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Bill Reichhart. “We give more to our students than high test scores.”
It could still be as late as January until schools receive accurate ISTEP scores from the previous year.
A new graduation diploma is in the works for Indiana. It would require high school students to take math courses all four years of high school.
“This sounds good on paper,” said Reichhart.
To do this, the students that enjoy fine arts would not have to cut out these courses. At the last superintendent meeting, Reichhart asked for those proposing this diploma to re-evaluate its benefits and consequences to the students. His disapproval has been considered and a survey may be conducted that will allow this new diploma type to be given more refinements.
The $2 million project for the Manchester Community Schools is still of high priority. In addition to the much-needed ventilation system replacement, there also will be renovations on minor outdates such as auditorium lights, the demolition of Maple Park, remodeling the high school restrooms, replacing gutters and if the budget allows, digital signs.
Financial consultant Damian Maggos, of George K. Baum and Company, led a presentation to show how these costs would be managed. Of the $2 million, $1.9 million are the hard costs going toward these upgrades, while the other $100,000 will be used for attorneys and the interest on the bond. Maggos is adamant on reducing any impact of price spikes that could hinder the project, he told the board.
The two taxing districts of North Manchester will see a slight difference in the estimated 3 cents property tax increase. Those of the township providence will see a significantly lower tax then those within the town itself.
Homes with a value of $130,000 will be the cap-off point for the tax, therefore, this extra tax should not surpass $16 for even those with homes of higher property value. For those with farm land, the increase on the property tax is estimated to be 75 cents at the maximum.
