MIDDLESBORO — The Middlesboro Board of Education (MBOE) met in regular session on Monday evening at the Middlesboro Intermediate School (MIS) Library.

MIS students provided board members with details about the school’s Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment and Education (UNITE) program. These dedicated students participate in projects and activities that center on community service and leadership.

The students gave a presentation on the school’s UNITE after school program — which meets every Thursday — and they discussed the importance of drug awareness, and developing drug-free goals.

Another group of students showed a video, which they produced, about a day in the life of a MIS student.

Board members commended the students for their dedication, leadership, and efforts.

After the presentation, reports were given by each Middlesboro Independent School District (MISD) principal.

Principal Josh Johnson spoke about the fundraising accomplishments of West End Primary School. The school has raised over $31,000 in charitable funds, and will likely receive around $13,000 of that for school-related needs. Johnson stated that the money will be used to revive the playground area with new equipment, and to purchase student tee shirts for the purpose of classroom identification.

The four principals also discussed particular student programs, test scores, grading periods, special activities, academic standards, athletics, and/or after school programs.

MIS Principal Steve Martin reported that the University of Kentucky mobile dental sealant program, recently provided on-site dental screenings and preventive dental sealant services at local schools.

“That’s a wonderful thing that our family resources sets up for us, and for so many of our families,” stated Martin. “It’s a huge service to our community.”

The MIS Site Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council, which is made up of teachers and active parents, spoke about school operations and goals. Principal Martin said that the purpose of the SBDM Council is to better school culture through leadership and improved curriculum.

Council members spoke about state level tests scores and preparation; comprehensive school improvement plans and integrated units of study; parent/teacher involvement and academic strategy/expectations; student motivation, professional development, and common planning.

The SBDM Council also addressed the issue of bullying. Martin explained that students brought this concern to the attention of teachers. He said that a small percentage of children felt threatened — based on a student survey — but that was means enough to seriously address the issue.

“I’ll be honest with you. As a principal, I was not really aware that there was an issue with kids and them feeling that way of being pushed, or threatened, or tormented,” said Martin. “As a staff, we wanted to make sure that we addressed bullying the correct way. We were aware that the students had concern.”

To help deal with the issue, he said that the entire MIS staff has received some form of “bully” training. Teachers have also been provided with educational books and informative student activities, in order to increase communication and reduce risk.

MIS has also established a “mentoring” program. At the beginning of the school year, teachers developed a pool of students that they felt might benefit from some additional adult contact. This program gives students the opportunity to discuss certain needs, or problems with teachers. At the same time, it allows teachers to build stronger relationships with these students.

Announcements included the election of Mary Ann Parrot as director of the newly formed Technology Committee. The purpose of the Technology Committee is to review the district’s current use of technology, and to develop a vision of how technology can be used within the MISD, in order to promote student learning.

Other announcements included:

• The MISD will also be introducing a Coordinating Council. The group will be composed of a representative from each site-based council from each district building, and will include MBOE members Eddie Ballinger and Vicki Byrne, as well as Superintendent Rita Cook. The purpose of the council is to promote some better communication throughout the school district, and create a cohesive district so that everyone is working together for student achievement.

• A MBOE luncheon has been scheduled for Oct. 27 at West End Primary School at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon will be followed by a special called meeting.

In other official business, the MBOE addressed the following items:

• Approved the minutes of the Sept. 21 regular meeting.

• Approved financial reports as presented from Middlesboro High School, Middlesboro Middle School, Middlesboro Intermediate School, and Middlesboro Primary School.

• Approved a School Facilities Construction Commission Bond payment to First State Bank in the amount of $2,814.77.

• Approved cafeteria report, treasurer’s report, and payment of monthly bills and salaries.

• Approved a fundraising project (book fair) for MIS Library for Nov. 2 - 6, 2009.

• Approved working budget for 2009 - 2010 school year.

Adam Young is a Staff Writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted at ayoung@middlesborodailynews.com.