Following up on an issue discussed at the previous meeting, the Goessel board decided to schedule driver's education in the summer instead of during the school year.

Junior/senior high school principal Curt Graves said class sessions would be held in the mornings for the first two weeks of the course, June 13-24, with driving rotations in the afternoons. Driving will continue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for several weeks after that. Curtis Guhr will be the teacher.

Graves said the course will take place after basketball camp and Bible school, and the driving should be finished before July 4.

Graves said a letter would be sent to parents of eighth-graders to let them know about the change. Students must be at least 14 years old to enroll in the class. The fee for Goessel students is $90. Priority will be given to USD 411 students, and there is a limit of 30 students.

Graves said students currently only have the opportunity to drive 10 minutes at a time. Referring to the new arrangement, he said, "This will give us more quality driver's ed."

John Fast, superintendent and elementary principal, added that the new arrangement will allow students more city driving.

Graves said having driver's education in the summer will "free up some elective time during the school year."

Board member Richard Drake commended the administration for their work on the matter: "It's something we needed to do."

On another matter, the board discussed personnel changes.

The following coaches were hired: Allen Pinkall as junior high girls' basketball head coach (he resigned as assistant high school girls' coach); Brian Holloway as junior high girls' volleyball head coach; Tiffany DeHaven as assistant high school girls' basketball coach and assistant high school girls' volleyball coach.

The board accepted the resignation of Jackie Jordan as fifth-grade teacher. She wishes to pursue other career options.

Fast commended her for her 11 years of teaching: "She'll be missed." Board chairman Lynel Unrau said he "appreciated her enthusiasm and her love for students and education."

The board also accepted the resignation of Jay Goering as junior high social studies teacher, industrial arts teacher and assistant high school football coach. He was recognized for the nine years he has taught and coached at USD 411.

Unrau said he "always appreciated his knowledge of the game and his enthusiasm." Goering's family will be moving to the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

In light of the teacher resignations and the projection that enrollment will possibly be down by 16 students next year, the board met in executive session to discuss personnel and possible reconfiguration of staff for the 2005-06 school year in order to save money.

The board is considering moving the sixth-grade class to the junior high building for next year. A decision about the matter will be made at the May board meeting.

Fast said the move would be made in an effort to eliminate one position through attrition. He also said the administration is trying not to raise taxes while maintaining the learning environment for the students. Fast said he will meet with parents of this year's fifth-graders at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, in the junior high building.

Graves discussed the eighth-grade play with the board. He acknowledged the experience has be positive for students. But he informed the board that next year's eighth-graders could be taking up to three assessment tests and said it is stressful for students and staff to prepare for assessments and a play at the same time.

Graves said different dates other than a March date for the play had been considered, but nothing else seemed to work. Therefore, the eighth-grade play will be discontinued, although plans are to include in-class forensics events for eighth-graders after assessments are completed.

"It's unfortunate that we've gotten to the point that assessments take priority," Drake said. He mentioned the importance of performing in front of a crowd. "It's unfortunate we have to give that up."

In other business:

-- Fast expressed appreciation to John Darting for donating tickets for kindergarten through third-grade students for the Shrine Circus in Salina on April 15. He said the April 20 kindergartern-through-third-grade musical follows a circus theme.

-- Fast said elementary students will attend a production of "The Secret Garden" in Abilene on April 22, paid for by the boxtop program.

-- the board toured the new outdoor facilities: the press box, bleachers and maintenance building. Fast said an open house for the press box/bleacher area will be held the evening of the spring barbecue and concert.

-- the board approved the May 8-9 senior trip and the May 4-5 biology river trip.

-- Fast expressed appreciation to the Hillsboro school district for the wrestling agreement.

"We would like to continue that relationship with them," he said. "It's been a good situation for our students," he said.

The board approved a two-year wrestling contract with Hillsboro. One Goessel junior high student and two high school students have been involved in the program. Fast said the school does not provide transportation; families are responsible for that.

-- Graves said the first track meet at Goessel went well and he offered "a big thank-you" to everyone who helped.

-- Graves reported that no one has signed up to try out for cheerleading for next year.

-- Graves reported that plans are being made for a "drive-in" movie to be shown in the school parking lot. A dodge ball competition is also in the planning stages. "Kids are excited," he said.

-- Fast and Graves reported on the excellent ratings at the recent high school music competition.

-- Graves said the Envirothon team placed first in recent competition.

-- board member Dan Miller reported on "Breaking Ranks" sessions and also negotiations with teachers. He said many schools offer regular work sessions. Graves said, "That kind of collaboration among our staff" produces effectiveness in classrooms.

-- Drake reported on the recent Marion County Special Education Coop meeting he had attended. He said negotiations with teachers have started. School assessments will probably remain the same for next year.

-- Fast said April 12 would be accreditation day. "Our staff has worked very hard" in preparation for the visit, he said.

-- Fast thanked the school board for their support of his doctoral class work and expressed appreciation for the learning process.