Superintendent Gordon Mohn recommended increasing coverage for the elementary school media center so the center would not be closed during peak hours.

Sandy Arnold, the current media specialist, is considered 54 percent of full-time. Evan Yoder, Hillsboro Elementary School principal, said, "What we lack is not having Sandy full-time. She'd be like having another teacher."

Although having Arnold full-time is preferred, the current budget will not allow for the increase.

This restriction prompted the board to vote 6-0 in favor of an acceptable, cost-effective solution that would increase library aide Lori Thurston's hours.

If the proposal is accepted by Thurston, her hours will be extended to include Monday and Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Yoder explained those hours were critical and said the decision was a step in the right direction.

"I think that will eliminate most of the concerns about the library being closed," Yoder said.

The board also heard from Yoder about the extended kindergarten hours program intended to assist underdeveloped children prepare for first grade.

Monday was the first day for the program and eight students participated. They came for morning kindergarten and stayed for the afternoon.

Yoder said, "It was a long day for all those kids. They were pretty worn out and so was the teacher."

Most of the students participating in the program only have extended hours two or three days per week to prevent burn-out.

In additional business, the board:

n viewed a presentation from Corey Burton, Hillsboro Middle School principal, concerning the state assesment tests that would be conducted online, and would allow students to view practice tests before having to take the actual test.

n heard from Activities Director Max Heinrichs, who said the Trojan Classic high school basketball tournament should be an excellent competition for both Hillsboro teams, and that the recent ice storm caused the cancellation of several events that will have to be rescheduled.

n listened to information from Dale Honeck, Hillsboro High School principal, who said the technology program was slated for its five-year review performed by the Kansas Department of Education. The review will cover 30 areas and allows teachers to evaluate where they are spending money and how they can promote leadership within the classroom.

n heard the district is short on computers and that some creative scheduling will be utilized to accomodate needs. Also, some schools will be going to 50- to 55-minute periods in the morning, changing from the current 86-minute periods, but the change will not cause significant problems.

n discussed the issue of needing to prepare now, because 46 kids will be in special education classes next year with only two special education teachers.

n reviewed details of the technology showcase, highlighting the success of the event and how valuable it was to the teaching staff.

n discussed the vehicle mileage report and the districts hopes to purchase several new and used vehicles in the coming years.

n heard an update from Mohn concerning the school finance litigation issue, and stated the Supreme Court has given the legislature until April 12 to comply. Mohn said the major issue will be where the legislature will get the funding needed to fix the problem.

n listened to information concerning a breakfast to be held to release the Marion County report card.

n heard specifics concerning the districts copiers and approved the extension of the lease contract with Modern Office Methods.

n met in executive session to discuss teacher evaluations, the superintendent contract, and the acquisition of property. No action was taken following the executive sessions.