Representatives of school programs plead their case'

By By Georgia Frye / staff writer
Feb. 14, 2003
Members of a work group charged with helping the Meridian Public School District's search for a new superintendent were briefed Thursday on academic and health programs.
The What Works group composed of teachers, principals and administrators heard from school district representatives who discussed the Success For All, character education, school nurse and academically and artistically gifted programs.
Speaking under strict time restraints, program coordinators raced through highlights of their programs. Cindy Burt, coordinator of character education, called hers "a really wonderful program."
The presentations came at the third meeting of the What Works group, whose members were appointed last month. Also meeting Thursday was the New Expectations group.
Both What Works and New Expectations which is composed of members drawn from the community at large have been charged with identifying strengths and weaknesses in the school system.
The two groups are expected to report to the Meridian School Board in March, when a full-scale search is expected to be launched for a new superintendent to replace Janet McLin, who is retiring.
At the What Works meeting, each presenter related facts to the group that included budgets, enrollment and overall success.
Group members asked questions about each program, with most of the focus on Success For All. Some group members were skeptical about the program's success.
However, Jane Massey and Nancy Ray from West End Elementary adamantly defended the program.
Success For All is a reading program designed to ensure that each student is reading at or above grade level by the third grade. It also tries to prevent regression in reading ability by offering one-on-one tutoring and summer programs.
The What Works group meets again Feb. 27, while New Expectations is expected to meet again Feb. 20.