The Bucyrus City School District Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting Sept. 28 and recognized students and staff for leadership and accomplishments within the district.
Bucyrus High School junior Sarah Lipscomb presented her ideas and goals for the future of the Safety Town program for children in Bucyrus. Lipscomb assisted the Bucyrus Police Department in restarting the program four years ago and is hoping to make permanent additions to the Elementary School’s playground to ensure the program’s future.
“I’m very proud of what Sarah’s done in helping our police department to bring this program back to our community,” said Superintendent Kevin Kimmel. “Her vision is to develop a permanent location for the Safety Town road template at BES and secure the program’s future for many years to come.”
The board then presented Certificates of Commendation to two groups. The students whose artwork has been on display in the board office were recognized first, and included: Xavin Hale, Harper Boggs, Shyane Lillo, Daniell Predieri, Shelbee Linn, Eisley Graham, Natalie Hankins and Alexis Adams.
The second group recognized has been involved in helping to organize Red Cross blood drives at the Secondary School. Students receiving a commendation for their leadership in these events included: Randall Elchert, Samantha Murtiff and Marcus Neuman.
Superintendent Kimmel presented an update on the district’s report card during his board report. The report card showed significant growth in the district’s performance index in both buildings, as well as substantial improvement in the percentage of students proficient in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
“I’m really proud of the positive strides being made in the classrooms by our staff and students,” said Kimmel. “The High School graduation rate improved four points from 81.3% to 86%, and the Elementary School’s K-3 literacy grade improved from a failing grade two report cards ago to a C.
“While we’re not where we want to be on the overall report card, it’s important that we celebrate the small improvements being made towards the overarching goal of receiving high marks across the board on these reports.”
The board approved all items as presented, and then recessed to executive session with no additional action being taken. The next regular monthly meeting of the Bucyrus City School District Board of Education will begin at 7 p.m. in the Lincoln Administrative Center board room Thursday, Oct. 26.