The Fulton School Board had a busy meeting Wednesday night - packed with everything from staff recognition and program reports to Shakespeare.
First up was honoring the Stellar Staff of the Quarter: Bartley Elementary third grade teacher Erica Hogan; Fulton High School English teacher Stacey Bonderer; and Options Daycare coordinator Tia Neal.
The board members were then treated to a preview of the balcony scene from the high school's upcoming production of "Romeo and Juliet." Drama teacher Mikelle Cortez told the board she has set William Shakespeare's famous tale of star-crossed lovers in 1986 Verona, New Jersey, with a Billy Joel soundtrack. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Oct. 24-25 at the high school.
Assistant Superintendent Suzanne Hull's report included the news that the district will be using part of its MOREnet grant for the fabrication lab to purchase two humanoid robots that will be used to work with autistic students at McIntire Elementary School. Hull said the high school's advanced engineering students will help with programming the robots. She said the board members should be able to meet the robots at the November meeting.
In other fabrication lab-related news, Hull said she and science and engineering teacher Jim Hall have been making presentations on the lab to a variety of venues, noting the lab has had a number of visitors as well - the Missouri Secretary of State's IT department staff will be in the district today and Friday.
During her report on vocational programs, high school business and accounting teacher Gina McLachlan said a slew of new classes - including a video gaming class, web design, an app design class and fashion merchandising - have led to an increase in enrollment and new experiences for students and staff alike.
"We're learning and having a lot of fun," McLachlan said. "We're reaching kids we didn't reach before ... and some of them are being challenged in different ways."
Superintendent Jacque Cowherd said future plans for the vocational department include interaction with the Show Me Innovation Center.
In other business, the board:
•Voted unanimously to approve the return of freshman basketball at an estimated cost of $5,348 for coaches, officials and transportation.
•Approved 2015 summer school dates for June 1-26.
•Approved a 5 percent increase in health insurance rates and a 5 percent increase in long-term disability rates.
•Voted to support the Missouri Certified Work Ready Communities Initiative.
•Heard reports on goals and school improvement strategies for the high school and middle school. See the Friday and Sunday editions of the Fulton Sun for details on those plans.