Fulton School Board of Education, members are slated to discuss various topics Wednesday, including a treasurer's report, a rundown of the district's vocational programs, bus driver hiring process and more. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Fulton High School library.
Board members will discuss potentially rejoining the University of Missouri Partnership for Education Renewal program. According to board materials, the district participated in this program until budget cuts in 2007 forced a cessation.
In its current form, MPER will allow first- and second-year teachers to earn an advanced degree at MU for half-price. The program also channels MU student teachers to FPS and gives teachers opportunities to participate in professional development activities. FPS has been accepted into the program at an annual cost of $4,750, but will need board approval to participate. Members of the district's vocational programs will discuss whether current programs meet student and community needs. According to the presentation summary, "program improvements that have occurred since the last review have been geared toward better preparing our students for post-secondary education and high-wage employment."
Current programs are geared towards business, family and consumer science, agriculture and vocational rehabilitation for special education students. Documents state all students at the high school have equal access to the available programs - at the high school, Mexico Area Vocational and Technical School and the Missouri School for the Deaf. Bryan Abbott will review the hiring and training process for school bus drivers in the district. Abbott has previously said the district is always in need of more bus drivers. No action will be taken on that item.
Other agenda items include reviews of advanced placement and dual credit enrollment, the purchase of a refrigerator and a redesign of the Bartley Elementary School exit by MODOT. For more information, view the agenda and materials at bit.ly/2gpwhQa.
Correction: The board meets Wednesday, Oct.11. The original version of this article incorrectly stated the day of the meeting.