What's New For The 2014-2015 School Year In Hillsborough?

A brief look at what was discussed at this month’s Board of Education meeting in Hillsborough.

Policy Changes

• Home Instruction Policy

- Home school teachers no longer have to be certified in a specific subject or level to teach students outside of the class room, only as an instructor.

• Excused Absence Policy

- According to federal law, the only absences deemed fully excused are those for religious reasons or for participation in “Take Your Child to Work Day.”

* It was noted that the average attendance in Hillsborough schools on “Take Your Child to Work Day” is around 60 percent.

- Unexcused but not counted absences include such instances as illness, doctors appointments, college visits, etc. - all other absences are considered unexcused and counted.

Operations, Grounds, And Additions

• One of the hot water heater’s in Hillsborough High School is scheduled to be replaced.
• The gymnasium roof at Wood Roads Elementary School Roof needs repair - cost estimated at $9,000.
• A sign leaning in front of Hillsborough Middle School is to be fixed - cost estimated at $3,000.
• School lunches will be provided by Sysco food services for the 2014-2015 school year. As part of Sysco’s bid, Hillsborough middle school will receive a reconfigured “grab-and-go” style lunch-line, allotting students more time to eat.

To meet federal guidelines for how much school districts should charge for lunch, the cost of a meal in the Hillsborough School District has increased by 10 cents. Even with the increase, Board of Education member Gregory Gillette said Hillsborough is still falls below what other districts charge.

“We’ve been consistent in coming in below what we should be charging. We have one of the lowest school lunch costs in the state,” Gillette said.

• A change in Janet’s Law may require the purchase of multiple portable defibrillators.
• Wood Fern Elementary School will see the addition of a second grade class due to enrollment increases.