Members of the Houston board of education approved hiring assistant coaches in the middle school to bolster the programs and improve supervision.
The board okayed plans Monday to add assistant coaches for volleyball and the boys’ and girls’ middle school basketball programs.
The board also approved plans for the Skyline School District to join the Exceptional Child Cooperative, which is comprised of area school districts. The cooperative serves students with special needs. The Houston School District serves as the fiscal agent.
In other matters, members:
-Recognized elementary and middle school honor students for their achievements. Brett Reith, a high school student, was honored for his selection to Missouri Fine Arts Academy this summer.
-Decided to set dismissal on Wednesdays during the next school year for 2 p.m. The early release day was approved to allow staff and teachers to devote time to planning for instruction.
-Approved a bid from its current supplier, Hometown Energy, which serves Texas County from its Cabool office. The primary factor in the decision was it was $10 per hour cheaper on any service calls required. The school district continues studying any savings that it might incur with a switch to natural gas. It plans to learn more at a meeting later this month. The natural gas firm intends to provide service by fall.
-Decided to continue to promote perfect attendance among its teaching staff. Those reaching the goal will earn $500 rather than $200.
-Considered contracts for non-tenured faculty for next year, accepted resignations and discussed extra duty and non-certified personnel in preparation for the April board meeting.