Interviews for a new principal will begin in October after the position is advertised, she said. The school's site-based council will be trained on selection and will recommend a person for the position. It is hoped a new principal will be in place by the next school year.
After several reports on the school were given, one spectator questioned the group about a policy that employees must have sign language skills before the are hired. He also said more lighting is needed in Grow Hall because it's hard to see the interpreters sign.
"We need to advertise to get more deaf people to work here and see more improvements. We need to have more deaf people working with the children," he said.
It was announced that KSD will get a highly-skilled educator to help with school programs.
Program reports
Reports on school programs include:
* Deby Trueblood, KSD technology coordinator, said the computer and telephone systems are being upgraded to provide faster service. She said the phone service has a lot of potential for outreach and conducting business meetings. It also will offer a chatting factor with staff and instant messaging in the classroom. She said a $5,300 grant will help provide an iMax lab to help with video editing.
* Day talked about a new professional development program that looks at different levels for students. Teachers will discuss learning strategies and look at students' learning styles. Two new classes in technology education focus on students being able to go from school into the workplace. A new health service program began last semester.
* Billy Lange, newly appointed athletic director, gave an overview of the sports program. He announced several basketball and soccer competitions the school will host this season. When asked about a football team, he said more boys are needed to form the team.
* Donna Martin, student development supervisor, said female students are learning about downtown by visiting the library and other sites. The boys are in a rewards program, training in study skills. A recreation area has been set up in Walker Hall, she said.
* Director of Outreach Fran Hardin said 80 percent of hard of hearing students are in public schools. Her services helps with technical assistance, professional development, social development and other needs in public schools across the state. She also works with families here and across the state with home visits and literacy programs.
* Bill Meton, campus manager, gave an update on facilities including Kerr Hall, which is being renovated with classrooms and a library. He also said the school is looking to be more energy efficient because it spends $400,000 annually on energy. Lighting has been changed and heating and air conditioning are being looked at for changes in the future. Improvements also are planned for Jacobs Hall.
Melton also said three parcels of surplus property that have been appraised include a vacant lot at the corner of Fackler and Second streets, another lot, and Barbee and Bruce halls.
* Wilton McMillan, who works with parental involvement with the state Department of Education, said more parent involvement is needed. He said a family support center is being planned and the state department is attempting to reach all families with deaf and hard of hearing children, especially in rural areas.
McMillan said a new program, Hands and Voices, a nonprofit parent-driven group to provide support for the deaf and hard of hearing, is being organized statewide. Its goal is to provide families with resources to help with children.
Other informational meetings will be scheduled in November, January, March and May.
