A presentation was given on a therapy dog program to the Tipton R-VI School Board by new business elementary counselor Karla Wood. She introduced the board to her dog Milee and distributed a flyer with additional information about the dog. The board approved Wood to begin bringing the therapy dog two-to-three days each week.
Superintendent Daniel Williams informed the board that, with Small Rural Schools funds, 25 Chromebooks and a charging cart have been purchased for the high school library. An update was given to the board on finances and state funding predictions for the current school year. He also updated the board on the bond issue project which is nearing completion.
For an additional cost of about $40 a month, Williams told the board that KOPI will upgrade the printer/copier machines. They will also lock the rates in for another five years. The window treatments for Mrs. Meador's classroom have been ordered and will soon be installed.
Williams also spoke about the National Archery in Schools Program, which will be starting soon. Coach Billy Jeffries has been working for several years to bring this program to the 4th-6th grades. Jeffries presented information to the board regarding the total cost of the program, which will be $3,227, and the cost to the school, which will be $727. There has been $2,500 for the program from donations and other sources.
Elementary Principal Kelly Kohler reported the October enrollment for K-6 at 299. Enrollment for the same month in 2015 was 301, and in 2014 was 281. Attendance for the month was 96.25 percent. The school has added 152 Chromebooks for the elementary school. There will be 30 on a mobile cart, 16 for special education department and each grade level teacher will have six in their classrooms. Title I and Special teachers will also receive Chromebooks.
Junior High / High School Principal Ellen Allee reported October 2016 seventh and eighth grade enrollment of 92 and high school enrollment of 211. Attendance for the month was 97.22 percent. The ninth and 10th grade attendance was 98 percent.