Know Your School District

The Amherst School Board met this week and began planning out the school year, which kicks off next Wednesday, August 31.

Here is a summary of what happened:

- The board officially welcomed back Nancy Head to their ranks, who returned from her retirement to fill in the vacant seat left by Drew Zell. The seat will be up for grabs again in the March elections.

- The Clark school re-roofing is on schedule

- Nicole Heimarck said that they have had 58 teachers enrolled in the SAU #39 Summer Mathematics Institute that began on Monday. This week-long program is focusing on the improvement of the math curriculum with an official initiative drafted at its conclusion on Friday. Professor Mahesh Sharma, director of The Center for Teaching/Learning Mathematics, has been hired to work with the schools at various points throughout the year.

- Amherst Middle School Librarian/Media Specialist Suzanne Haldane presented her proposal for an Italian Exchange program that will take about 15 AMS students to Italy over April vacation. The cost for the program will be covered solely by individual fund-raising and not from school district funds. Chair Peg Bennett said if regulations are met and insurance is put in place, it would be a great program for students.

- The board discussed goals and presentations they want to address during the year, including topics such as 21st Century learning, getting more teachers involved and a strategic plan for the district.

- The board accepted the resignations of two teachers, Mary Elizabeth Cleveland and Rachel Jackson.