Southland school district makes it easier for parents to keep up with their child's grades

Raymond Lasley

The Southland School Board of Education recently approved the purchase of a computer program called Teacher Ease that serves as an online grade book.

According to Superintendent Raymond Lasley, the board approved the purchase during a board meeting on Oct. 9.

"The teachers will enter the students' grades in the computer. The parents will then be given a password so they can see their child's grades," Lasley explained.

"The program also provides parents with direct e-mail contact with the teachers."

The new program will be implemented slowly during the second nine weeks grading period, and fully implemented during the second semester, according to the superintendent.

"It is hoped that the program will make it easier for parents to be more involved in their child's education," Lasley noted.

Other matters discussed in last week's board meeting included a report on the performance of the students regarding MAP testing.

Counselor, Teresa Wood, gave the report, stating that Southland High School met all the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goals while Southland Elementary did not met the AYP goals in three sub-groups in the communication arts category.

The school board also approved a revision in the tax rate for 2008.

According to Lasley, the state auditor re-figured a tax ceiling of $3.1595 for Southland.

Board members learned during their monthly meeting that Southland has received a REAP grant totaling $14,000 to purchase books for the library. The librarian, Linda Ross, has placed an order to increase the number of library books and reference materials in the collection.

"This will cause extra work for our librarian, but she is thrilled to have the additional materials for the students," Lasley said.

For the first time in approximately 14 months, Superintendent Lasley did not have to report on the progress of construction taking place on the building addition because the project is complete, except for a few minor finishing touches.

These finishing touches will be completed by Southland's maintenance staff.

In executive session, the school board accepted the resignation of Ashley Lewis, junior high English teacher. According to Lasley, Heather Harris was hired to teach junior high English.