Transcript Staff Writer
Transportation is the only breakdown in an otherwise smooth start to the new school year, says Norman Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph Siano.
Addressing the board of education Monday, Siano offered his report on the status of the current school year. Among the positives he cited were student growth and a near-full-strength staff. According to districtwide enrollment numbers, NPS has 12,802 students or more than 100 more than the pervious year's 12,692 count.
"I think we can contribute this to real growth," Siano said as the increase represents actual students and not the addition of pre-school programs that helped spike numbers in previous years.
Of the district's staff, Siano mentioned the lack of speech pathologist as a negative, but all other positions have been filled. But the major hurdle to seamless transition into the semester was transportation.
"Transportation is a problem," he explained as there are not enough drivers for the routes. Qualified staff members have stepped in temporarily, but it is not a long-term solution. "I assure you, we are working on it, and anybody who can drive, drives."
To attract drivers, Siano said the district will continue to advertise and highlight advantages such as competitive salaries and onsite training.
"We understand it is a problem and we don't take it lightly," he said.
While Siano delivered the state of the district, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Richard Schiller outlined the future. With many construction projects associated with the $14 million 2004 bond issue under way, Schiller provided the board an update.
"We are well into the projects and a few are done," he said. Among those completed or near completion are the bathrooms at Irving and Whittier Middle Schools, carpet and furniture replacement at the Norman High School library and the berm removal at Irving, Whittier and Norman North High School.
By far the bulk of construction can be found at Washington Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary and NHS. A total of 30 new classrooms will be built on those sites, and Schiller is positive the facilities will be ready to go next summer.
"They are all preceding along rather well," he said. "They should be completed by next July."
Siano thanked Schiller and his staff for their work in providing a timely construction schedule and helping the district maintain its commitment to the public.
"They have put us in a very good position," he said. "We feel on target with these projects."
Among other actions taken by the board:
Approved the membership of the district staff development/school improvement committee.
Approved awarding one laboratory science credit for students completing the Moore Norman Technology Center's Health Science Technology program.
Approved the district's gifted education plan for the 2005-2006 school year.
Tony Pennington 366-3541 schools@normantranscript.com
News
September 20, 2005
Transportation the only fly in Norman school district ointment
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