Sweet Springs school board reviews district performance report

A number of visitors were present for the Sweet Springs R-VII School District Board of Education meeting Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The board approved the school district's annual "report card," despite inaccuracies regarding the number of black students listed and even the name of the school district, which read "Sweet Springs R-V," rather than "R-VII."

Jones said alerting those who prepare these report cards would probably not bring any changes in these inaccuracies until next year's report card.

The report card is meant to show how the school district measures up against other districts in the state and to itself in previous years.

Parent Mike Viets addressed the board to request that it consider implementing a girls' softball program during the fall in addition to the spring program.

Viets told the board he would want the decision left up to the students.

"If they want it," said Viets, "I'd like to see them have an opportunity."

This would be in conflict with the current fall volleyball program. Viets said four students play volleyball and not softball and seven students play softball and not volleyball, meaning the team numbers would stay approximately the same.

Viets has contacted several surrounding school districts to inquire about interest in playing softball against the Sweet Springs team in the fall. He told the board that most districts reported they would be interested in doing so. It is expected that the team would have a nearly full fall schedule within two years of the fall team's creation.

A fall season consists of about 20 games, and the spring season consists of about 25 games, the board reported.

Many spring games are cancelled on account of rain, said Jones. He expects this would not be as big of a problem during the fall.

It is cheaper to play softball during two seasons than to play two different sports over those same two seasons, it was reported.

No action was taken on Viets' request.

The board received a report on the A+ Schools Program, which provides eligible students with college tuition assistance.

Nine seniors are working toward eligibility for the program. One student who graduated from the high school last year is currently using the program's financial benefit.

More than 50 percent of juniors, sophomores and freshmen are enrolled in the program.

The board went into closed session for discussion of personnel matters.

All board members were present.

The board's next meeting will be Tuesday, March 17, at 8 p.m. in the high school library.

Contact Geoff Rands at marshallreporter@socket.net