Academic Decathlon; 2001 Schedule Among School Board Topics
At its regular meeting Jan. 17, the GCISD School Board discussed funding for academic decathlon teams in regional, and possibly state competition. Secondary Principal Faith Scott said she anticipates two teams this year. Last year, the board decided to fund only one team, and to have any additional teams raise their own money. Board member Jimmy Eggemeyer asked, “Does the football team have to have fund raisers?”
Board member Karla Hoelscher said, “If there’s some money somewhere, let’s use it. An academic decathlon team advancing to state is just as important as a football team advancing to state, and it’s good recognition for the school.”
Scott said the decathlons cost $500 in entry fees at each level, plus travel expenses, and there is now $1,500 in the budget. The board agreed to fund two teams.
A possible change in the 2001-2002 school schedule was discussed. School Superintendent Charles Zachry said the Agricultural Extension Service people are considering changing the 2001 stock show to January 4 - 6. If they make that change, Zachry said the school might want to have its Christmas holidays from Dec. 22 to Jan. 8.
Zachry said there is also a need to get our schedule to coincide with other area schools ( the second full week in March), in order to better utilize distance learning. (Distance learning is accomplished by having a teacher at one school televised, and students at other schools watching on television.) In the past, Zachry has often spoken of several scheduling difficulties created by the local spring break being at a time different than other area schools. Action will be taken on the schedule at a later date.
Zachry reported that a new engine has been put into the Bearkat bus at a cost of approximately $9,000. He said the bus should now be in good shape for several years.
Hoelscher said two recent basketball road trips were taken in a bus with a window that wouldn’t close, and asked Zachry to check into it so it won’t happen again.