Bernie okays equipment grant proposals

BERNIE - The Bernie School Board approved application for the FV-4 Grant application Monday night during the monthly meeting. This grant would cover the cost of new equipment and supplies for the business, FACS and Agriculture programs. Items included in the proposal are computer hardware, furniture, and audio/visual equipment.

The total estimated cost for the equipment is $106,320. Of that, it is estimated the school will be responsible for $27,330 if the grant is approved. Bernie School Superintendent Arvilla Early said she felt the money would be available if grant approval came through, which would likely be this summer. Early said if the school did not have enough money to pay their part of the grant, they are not committed to the amount and have the option of passing on the purchase of the new equipment.

The board approved application for E-Rate, which is a federal program providing discounts on phone and internet services. The funding will cover 80 percent of these costs for Bernie School. While the money is not guaranteed, Bernie stands a very good chance of receiving the funding.

Elementary School Principal Robin Ritchie brought a grant for the pre-school program to the board's attention. Ritchie said the grant will provide $7,000 for supplies and materials for the program and did not require any matching funds. Ritchie said they felt they stood a very good chance of receiving this money because very few schools applied for the grant, due to the very tight deadline required for submission.

The board approved a trip to the FFA nation convention in Louisville, Ky. in October. High School Principal Scott Mercer said all required for the trip was transportation (a bus) and fuel. The FFA club will cover the remaining cost.

The board approved transportation for students attending the Beta Club convention in Branson. It is estimated that 35 students will attend the March 18 -- 21 event.

Tommie Ellenberg, the newly hired Bernie Elementary School Principal was introduced to the school board. Ellenberg said she was glad to be there and looked forward to working with everyone.

"We're glad to have you and know you're going to do a top-notch job," Darell Crow, Bernie School Board President said. "We'll be right behind you and help you with whatever you need."

Ellenberg will begin her position as principal in the 2004-2005 school year.

Early discussed the review of the school food service and said the inspector had no concerns and only a few minor suggestions. The inspector suggested one person be in charge of the free and reduced lunch program to streamline the operation. She also suggested an upgrade an update of the computer system, which needed to be slightly faster and will be addressed later. Early commented that the inspector was pleased to see that past suggested improvements had been made.

Early said the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 2003 performance review went very good. Bernie School has been accredited in performance and has received a waiver for review for the next school year.

"That is a result of all the hard work done by teachers, students and administrators," Early said.

The new construction at Bernie School is nearly completed. Early said they received notice that they may begin moving into the new facilities. An open house is planned for Sunday, Feb. 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. so the public can get a look at all of the improvements made to the school.

Mercer said students did very well in their recent scholastic meet and brought home 15 ribbons.

"That's quite a bit more than we received last year," Mercer said. "This is all voluntary. The kids really enjoy participating in these meets and they like to show off what they know."

Mercer said Magic Valentino Willis, a former Harlem Globe Trotter, would visit the school on March 3.

Willis is scheduled to speak at 8:30 a.m. and 9:45 p.m. in assemblies focusing on anti-drug and character building topics.

Mercer said the FBLA was also very successful in their last competition with 11 students qualifying to go on to the state competition.

Ritchie said the DARE program, taught by Bernie Police Chief James Tilmon has begun for the fifth grade classes.

She said the students had been looking forward to the program and she really appreciated the effort Tilmon put into the program.

Ritchie said the Cultural Kaleidoscope would visit the elementary on Wednesday. The program is given by a Russian man and will focus on Russian culture and traditions.

Early mentioned the banquet for receiving the Distinction in Performance award will be held March 16 at Southeast Missouri State University and invited board members to attend. Early said only 16 schools in southeast Missouri received the award and only two in Stoddard County - Bell City and Bernie.