By Donna
Williamson
Opelika Observer
Kenneth Burton, assistant superintendent for Opelika City Schools, presented the 2016-17 school incident report and attendance summary to board members during the August school board meeting.
Burton noted an overall decrease in discipline incidents when comparing the 2016-17 school year to the 2014-15 school year. He said there was a decrease in the number of students sent to out-of-school suspension (OSS), along with a decrease in those sent to the alternative school. However, he saw a slight increase in students who received in-school suspension (ISS).
According to Burton, the report also showed fewer students displaying defiant behavior and disobedience, as well as fewer students making threats.
“I feel like our principals are doing a good job,” he said.
Burton also presented the Opelika City Schools’ 2016-17 attendance summary. He noted little change in overall absences and tardies when comparing the 2016-17 school year to the previous year. Burton explained that a parent can write up to 10 excused notes; however, after 10 absences a doctor’s written excuse is required.
The board also approved an out of state field trip to Orlando, Florida for the Opelika Middle School 7th and 8th grade band for May 3-6, 2018.
The band will compete in the Orlandofest Music Festival and will also visit Universal Studios Theme Park.
In other business, the board:
– Approved the revised gifted education plan
– Approved the revised salary schedule steps for Salary Code Q
– Renewed the Alabama Trust for Boards of Education General Liability/Errors and Omissions liability coverage in the amount of $1,109.