"Fair" Weather

Last night our family finished the round of February "fairs": science fairs at LMS and Central, and World's Fair at LMS. I also had the chance to judge the 6th-grade Science Fair at LMS on Monday. I know there are also science fairs this time of year at Harney, Perry-Worth and Hattie B. Stokes.

Here's Nina and her group with their excellent teacher, Eric Williams, at World's Fair, last week:

Like many parents, I often groan when "fair" time comes around. We're plenty busy with regular schoolwork, community and church activities, work, and swim practices, without adding in extra school projects.

But I'm usually happy to see the results of the extra effort, and this year was no exception. Students have to come up with an idea and really see it through, then they have to talk to adults about it. This is a unique learning opportunity, and takes them out of the round of reading, writing, and preparing for quizzes and tests. Some students really have a chance to shine, and show abilities that might otherwise never be recognized.

If you have helped with projects--buying supplies, checking over reports, finding resources for a student, judging or just coming to see the projects--thank you. And if you get a moment, you might thank the teachers who put these fairs together.

It's a Race

As of this afternoon, there are four candidates seeking election to the two city of Lebanon school board seats. (Remember, all voters in the LCSC boundaries vote for school board members from all districts.) The filing period is closed; the field is set.

I look forward to a good campaign! As the days get warmer and longer I'll be out and about, knocking on doors and listening to Lebanon families--with and without children in the Lebanon schools--about their concerns. Do you have a comment, suggestion, or question? Drop me an e-mail using the address on this page.

More Good News
Lebanon High School received recognition in the form of a Red Quill Award, for using student test data to improve its curriculum, and for improving test scores. LHS is the only school in Indiana to win this award this year, and one of only 17 schools in the Midwest. Congratulations to staff, faculty, and students at LHS and LMS (some of the testing is done in 8th grade) for this accomplishment!

Here's the link to coverage in The Lebanon Reporter: http://www.reporter.net/local/local_story_053002430.html

Thank you for reading, and for your interest in the Lebanon schools.

Good News

At the monthly school board meeting Tuesday the new corporation Web site was introduced. It looks like a much better, more effective and professional way to access lots of school information than the previous site. You can check it out here: http://www.leb.k12.in.us/

LCSC Superintendent Dr. Bob Taylor begins each meeting by giving the board and audience some "good news" about the Lebanon schools. Among his news this month was Central Elementary's designation as a Four Star school, LHS senior Valerie Coulter being named a National Merit Finalist, and LHS senior Scott Milam receiving a $1000 scholarship from the IHSAA, the first time a Lebanon student has been awarded this scholarship. LHS Principal Kevin O'Rourke mentioned in his presentation that LHS has achieved "AYP" (Adequate Yearly Progress) under No Child Left Behind regulations for the first time in several years. That's good news indeed.

If I'm elected to the school board, one of my high priorities will be to help get "good news" about the corporation out into the community. I know from experience that The Reporter doesn't have adequate staff to really cover education news in Lebanon, so the corporation has to get creative, and get the good word out!

Early days

I went to the Indiana School Board Association candidate forum in Lafayette last evening, with Michael Burtron, who is also running for a city seat in May. (Remember, there are two city seats, so you can support two candidates.) There was some great information presented about what school boards do, and what they don't do, and ethical guidelines for school board members.

They also gave us some reading material, so I have homework to do! The ISBA puts on educational programs for school board members several times a year, so in essence you go to "school board school" after you're elected, to help you up the learning curve. The Lebanon Community School Corporation has an annual budget around $32 million, and with 450 or so employees is, I believe, the largest employer in the city. Between setting educational policy, taking care of school facilities and negotiating contracts, the school board has a big job. Everything I'm learning makes me more excited to take on the challenge.

I'm planning to do more active campaigning a little later, once the evenings are a bit warmer and lighter. These winter days are a good time to get my homework done. Thank you for reading, and please let me know what your concerns are about the Lebanon Community School Corporation.