www.sc-democrat.com/archives/2000/news/09September/05/s -
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Published on: 1/1/2000
Last Visited: 5/9/2009
Schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Howard said the distance learning network, a collaborative effort with schools in Roscoe, Eldred and Tri-Valley, is set up and ready to go when school opens tomorrow.
The interactive hookup among the schools allows students in one building to take classes offered by another district that are not available at their own school.
Among the course offerings for distance learning students are Latin 1, Chinese language and culture, journalism and a variety of business courses.
ãWeâre going to be teaching four classes and receiving three from the other schools involved,ä he said. ãWeâre very excited about the prospects this opens up for students who are involved in the program.ä
One of the major events for the upcoming school year is the unveiling of the districtâs strategic plan, a process that began a little less than a year ago.
The plan, which was developed by teachers, administrators, school board members, members of the public and students, is scheduled for presentation to the school board and the public late this year or early next year.
Howard said it was one of the most important things on this yearâs calendar.
This year, students will be meeting 16 new teachers throughout the district.
While most of the new faces are replacing existing teachers, two and a half new teaching positions have been added, including math teachers in the middle and high schools and a half-time reading teacher at the White Sulphur Springs school.
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Howard said, in addition to completing the districtâs strategic plan, the biggest challenge he faces this year as a superintendent is maintaining a close tab on meeting state mandates and standards while keeping offerings available that will create a well-rounded education.
ãIf the only thing we do is meet state mandates and standards, weâre not going to provide our students with a complete education,ä he said. ãI know that a complete education demands more than simply meeting standards, and itâs going to require taking a close look at what weâre offering while at the same time looking at the resources we have available and managing them tightly.ä