The Emery County School Board meeting at Emery High School Wednesday night revealed that the school had received a C grade after results were compiled in the SAGE testing program.
Principal Larry Davis noted that 41 students had opted out of at least one test.
Of those opting out, 93% were in honors programs. He also noted that the program replacing No Child Left Behind, now called Utah Education PACE, had 63% of students earn at least three college credits in CTE (trade and technology) courses in the 11th and 12th grades.
He explained the Integrity Awards Program that recognizes students that exhibit high values. The board complimented him on the status of the school and he in turn congratulated the excellent teachers and staff of Emery High School.
The Emery High School and Four Corners Youth Coalition group requested permission to travel to Washington DC in February for a leadership conference. Four students and two chaperones will be attending. The trip would be funded by Four Corners Mental Health. The board felt this was important for the students, school, and community, and permission was granted.
Emery High counselor Dana Terry gave the counseling and guidance program report. She stated that 75% of the juniors and seniors need to have an academic and career plan in place. Mental health referrals are up and she reported that they are working with Four Corners on suicide prevention instruction. Eight students attended the Machine Tool Program at Snow College and two of them were presented academic scholarships.
Superintendent Kirk Sitterud noted that the survey regarding placement of ninth and sixth grade students is still active until Friday. He noted that about 450 people have completed the survey, which is less than they had anticipated or hoped for. He also asked for approval for hiring two new educational assistants at Green River High; Dallice Webster and Kimberly Andrus. Approval was given.
Emery Education Association President Neal Peacock told the board of the teachers dislike of the new state-mandated teacher evaluation program. He stated that teachers feel it is not good for anyone involved, especially students. He also told of districts that are having to replace many teachers each year because of teachers dissatisfaction of this program.
The independent auditors report was accepted and the auditors complimented the financial team of the district.