Grants awarded for classroom equipment

The Macon County Retired Teachers Association gave out $2,434 in grants to Macon County teachers for supplies and subscriptions to help improve the quality of education and educational activities for students. Lee Berger and Linda Brocken of the association gave a brief presentation at the Oct. 19 Board of Education meeting, with four teachers sharing their requests and how the funds will help their students. "We decided we wanted the money that we previously had given for scholarships to the rising seniors, to go to teachers," Berger said. "We simply ask that you fill out an application." Checks were given to 14 teachers for items including magazines, phonics wordsets, novels, art and science supplies and general classroom equipment. Brandi Patton of South Macon Elementary asked for magnetic word sets to use in instruction, for homework and group learning. Jennifer Bantle and Thersia Cooper of Iotla Valley Elementary each asked for a subscription to Storyworks, a multi-genre literature magazine published by Scholastic for their English Language Arts classes. Stephanie Hudson at Highlands School asked for gelli plates, a printmaking supply that can be used to transfer detailed images from physical items into a print. Hudson said previously, gelatin could be used to make the prints, but the plates work more effectively. Hudson showed prints of leaves and foliage taken with the plates. Eli Foster of Mountain View Intermediate also requested gelli plates. Psychological services agreement Superintendent Josh Lynch shared a Memorandum of Understanding between the school system and the Long Center, which provides psychological services to certain students. The center will be increasing its fee for students who need a longer session. While the center typically charges $175 for students, certain students might see an extra $25 per session, bringing the full cost up to $200 per session. Lynch said in addition to the sessions, the center also attends meetings and advocates for the students to "make certain that they are being supported within the school." He said other provisions in the agreement have not changed. The board approved the updated agreement. Surplus The board agreed to surplus an activity bus, number 8105, a 2001 36-passender bus, due to engine wear and exhaust gases leaking into the cabin. Finance director Laney Ledford said the N.C. Department of Public Instruction advised the system may be able to get $2,000 for it because the engine still cranks. The vehicle has 152,000 miles. Board attorney John Henning said the bus will need to be put out for bid, but Ledford may be able to accept an offer without board approval if it is good enough. Budget updates Ledford said the system has three bonuses going out: Teachers, instructional support personnel and principals employed on Oct. 1 will get a bonus based on years of experience. Office employees employed as of June 30 will receive bonuses based on their current salaries. Local school nutrition and custodial staff employed on Oct. 1 will be eligible for bonuses based on full and part-time status. The combined bonus limit is $1,750. The bonuses are not subject to retirement but are subject to social security and taxes. Breedlove asked if this was money coming from the state. Ledford said the money for state-funded positions was coming from the state, but money for locally and federally funded positions would need to come from the county and federal contributions, respectively. The board agreed to consolidate the previously scheduled Dec. 14 meeting with a special called Dec. 7 meeting which will be held to swear in new board of Education members. The regular meeting will instead be held on Dec. 7. The board's next meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 16, at Nantahala School.

Grants awarded for classroom equipment

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