NPHS taking steps to combat attendance issues

BAINBRIDGE -- The North Putnam School Board voted to fill a position to help combat attendance issues.

High school Principal Jason Chew requested the board allow the implementation of an administrative assistant of attendance and discipline position. He noted the work for this position is currently done by the health aide, but he is concerned with the increase in the number of students with health issues that need attention.

Chew said attendance has dropped to 94.7 percent and the school has a goal of at least a 95 percent attendance rate. Overall, he would like to see a 98 percent attendance rate.

"This will help us understand why attendance is slipping," Chew stressed. "We had this position a few years ago, and it went away."

The principal added a couple of teacher's aide positions were not filled and the funding could come from those sources. This position would be able to fill in at in-school suspension if needed, but overall the concern is figuring out where the students are.

Meanwhile, the board voted against hiring Tony Gray as the middle/high school graduation coach with a 5-2 vote. The position was created at last month's regular board meeting to "help the students slipping through the cracks," Superintendent Dan Noel explained. He said school counselors are overloaded and the graduation coach would focus on identifying the needs of those students falling behind.

"It's easy for a student to say, 'I don't have my homework.' The problem is, we've got to go back and revisit why that student didn't have the homework finished," Noel said previously.

The superintendent noted Gray, the former alternative education teacher, is eligible for an emergency license for another year. His recommendation included the fact Gray has a background in criminal justice and social services.

Board member Jill Summerlot asked why the position was not advertised with a teaching license as a requirement. Noel said aside from Gray, only one other person applied for the position before the 10-day deadline.

While Mark Hoke voted in favor of the hire, he noted concern about Gray not taking the necessary steps to gain a teaching license after spending last school year teaching alternative education on an emergency license.

During further discussion, Travis Lambermont stressed, "We need to hire teachers first and coaches second."

Gray was once again approved as the high school boys' head swim coach.

"We are an 'A' school corporation," Noel said, noting the dedication to education. "If they can coach, that is an added bonus."

While looking through the job description, several board members voiced concern about the graduation coach making home visits. Noel said many families were unaware of the services available for students falling behind. This was one of the steps he believes would help with that process.

"I'm having trouble with the line between where we are responsible and the parent," Bowling said.

In other business, the board voted to hire Terry Tippin as director of operations at his present salary for 260 days with a 5-2 vote. Board members Summerlot and Lambermont cast the dissenting votes.

Tippin previously served as director of transportation. Noel noted this newly created position would include more duties, including grounds work and maintenance, and eliminate his previous position.