Those expecting fireworks at this month’s school board meeting didn’t get them. There was a larger-than-normal crowd in attendance as Mark Stone attended his first meeting as Board member, along with other new members L.W. Smith and Russ Swafford.

Dewey Esquinance presented a video of students accepting awards for their work in areas of technical education saying, “The kids have the knowledge and we have to provide them the tools to succeed.” Students from PCHS competed against kids from across the nation and placed in high ranks in events including Web Design and CAD (Computer Aided Design) 2D.  The students representing PCHS at this event were Gary Moats, Josh Goode, KR Moorhouse, Anthony Joslin, Robert Hernandez and Jenny Houts. After applause board member David Bigham requested Superintendent James Jones make a proclamation honoring these achievements saying they need to be recognized with something on the wall, “I will be glad to do that,” said Jones.

Principal of Copper Basin High School Daren Danner unveiled CBTV News Program produced by the students in Visual Communications. “This is our 3rd installment of CBTV it is scripted by the students broadcast here on closed circuit TV at the school and on ETC3 throughout the week. The teachers are Steve Tompkins and Dr. Joseph Monticello,” explained Danner.

Laura Barnett, Technology Coordinator for Polk County Schools presented the School Reach “Instant Parent Contact” system. “Communicating with parents is essential. Having worked in the classroom as a teacher I know that very few notes make it home. Not all parents have internet, but most have a phone. This program will allow us to send emails or phone calls within minutes,” said Barnett. When a call is broadcast Barnett would be able to tell which numbers had live answers, machine answers, or disconnected numbers. Then any numbers needing to be updated can be.

Dennis Baker, Band Director at PCHS was in attendance to request approval of one of two optional field trips to either Florida or Washington D.C.  “We will be fundraising for either trip you approve,” said Baker. "What we are approving is the overnight stay," said board member Gary Silvers. The board unanimously approved the overnight stay with either trip being the choice of Mr. Baker and the music Department.

•School bus tires will be provided and maintained by Massengill Tire Company as approved by the board.

•The Food Service Budget was approved.

•There was approval for extended contract proposal for 2008-2009 school year ($50, 266.59).

•CBHS will be leasing vocational equipment.

Members in attendance were: Russ Swafford, Mark Williams, David Bigham, Harmon Hardin, Jayson Lamb, Gary Silvers, Mark Stone, L.W. Smith, and Tracy McAbee.