Scoreboard replacement offers other benefits

With scoreboards needing replacement, the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School is considering options to update them and possibly increase revenue at the same time.

An online presentation allowed school board members to hear what options are available through Daktronics. Marketing and Advertising Consultant Jerry Sikkink said that scoreboards can entertain fans, and help fund equipment and consolidate sponsorships.

According to discussion, replacing the high school football, baseball and softball scoreboards would cost approximately $305,000, without installation. Through Daktronics' program, sponsorships could fund the scoreboard purchases and provide additional revenue to the district.

"When we go out and do this, we're pretty successful," Sikkink said.

Life expectancy is approximately 15 years. Software would be updated at no cost; however, Sikkink said the district may want to replace computers every five or six years.

"We have to do something soon with the baseball and softball scoreboards. They are getting obsolete," said Board President Scott Vollink.

Superintendent Patrick Carlin agreed the first priority is replacing those scoreboards. Both were installed in 2007.

"I like the idea of a package deal, and to see the numbers of a service contract," said Board Member Ryan Haack.

In another presentation, board members heard about a program designed to expand high school students' learning through "mini courses." They would be offered to students in grades 9-12 who are not assigned to an intervention in a subject area.

Mini courses will be offered Tuesday-Thursday for a 10-day period, during weeks when there are no disruptions to the regular schedule. Teachers not involved in interventions will teach the courses.

"We thought about what courses could be offered so students can learn something during [intervention] time," said social studies teacher Jim Thomas.

Initial course offerings include yoga, meditation, introductions to football, golf and soccer, recreational math games, women in history and Greek mythology. There will be no grading for the courses.

"I like the concept of that. The value-added stuff is fantastic," Haack said.

Mini courses tie into high school building goals, which include working within the Professional Learning Communities process to meet students' needs. Professional development groups will also learn about social emotional learning and improving communication skills to better educate students across all curriculums.

Principal Nate Hemiller said the high school and middle school staffs will work together to ensure cross-curricular teamwork in grades 5-12.

The middle school staff is also focused on teaching schoolwide and classroom expectations for all students.

"Our goal is to be proactive in helping all students grow," said Principal Matt Van Voorst.

WIN (What I Need) intervention time will continue to help students master a standard or extend learning they have already achieved.

"It is a way of meeting kids where they are to help them," Van Voorst said.

The elementary school is implementing a numeracy project to support student learning through the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum. Principal Ashley Benz said the Core Knowledge Language Arts curriculum is also being introduced.

Board members also discussed the "open night" policy. It states that school-related activities will not be scheduled on Wednesday night beyond 6:30 p.m. "whenever possible." Concern was also expressed about activities involving students on Sundays.

"I think it is still common in our area for Wednesday night to be church night. It is not popular, but it is the feedback I'm getting," Vollink said.

"There is also all kinds of stuff happening on Sundays," Haack added.

After considering how to reword the policy, the board decided to limit activities on Wednesdays to no later than 6 p.m., which Carlin said is the general situation at this time.