The Fulton School District 58 Board of Education had their first meeting of the year on Wednesday, where the board heard several district updates and recognized some students.
Members of the Fulton High School band and choir were recognized for their accomplishments in recent competitions. Several students were recognized from both the band and the choir.
After recognizing these students, the board heard an update from Ty Crain, Superintendent of Fulton Public Schools. He spoke about the teacher shortage affecting the country.
"We have jobs that we've posted that in the past by this point would have 25 or 30 applications, and we've only had one," Crain said. "Those are positions that we typically have a lot of applications."
Laura Landis and Christina Huskey updated the board about the alternative classroom at Fulton High School.
The alternative classroom is an option for students who are struggling at the high school.
Three students are currently enrolled as full day, five students are enrolled as half day and one student is enrolled virtually.
Landis and Huskey said they have completed a total of 35 classes since August, which is more than they expected for the alternative classroom.
They told the board they have formed close relationships with the students enrolled in the alternative classroom.
Landis and Huskey also shared some positive student, parent and staff feedback for the program.
Lea Dzurick gave an update to the board about the transportation program.
The year end report for the transportation department states there are currently 34 buses in the program, and a total of 30 bus routes.
The transportation department has 51 active employees. Of the total, 24 are regular route drivers, 9 are substitute drivers and 16 are bus aides.
From July 1 to Dec. 31, 30,415 miles were driven for school activity trips. 16,807 miles were for athletic trips. The total cost of the activity trips is $46,640.02.
As of Dec. 16, total potential riders for regular a.m. routes is 1,198. Total potential riders for regular p.m. routes is 1,336.
The meeting concluded with a budget update from Crain.
The next Fulton School District Board of Education meeting will be on Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Fulton High School library/media center.