The Ironton Board of Education’s newest members will focus on the district’s academic scores and march toward construction goals this year – a vision shared by board leadership.

Wednesday, January 12, 2000

The Ironton Board of Education’s newest members will focus on the district’s academic scores and march toward construction goals this year – a vision shared by board leadership.

"The biggest challenge right now is looking at the academic part – what can we do to bring up proficiency scores," newly-elected member Robert Pleasant Jr. said. "That’s where a lot of people in the system are focused."

The board should challenge itself to bring creative and innovative programs into schools to raise scores, Pleasant said.

One program under way this year, a multi-million dollar GEAR UP grant aimed at helping students continue education past high school, will focus on students’ needs at school, at home and in the community, he said.

That type of activity has an impact, and is what the district needs to become successful, Pleasant added.

"I can remember when companies moved in here and bring people with them, they only wanted to go to one of two schools – Russell or Ironton – because they were the best," newly-elected member Gary Neal said.

Neal wants to see that reputation remain through work by the board, administrators and the district’s already-dedicated staff.

Whether it’s discipline, extra classes or tutoring, the district needs to do whatever it takes, he said.

"Anything I can do to help the superintendent and department heads and the teachers, I will," Neal said. "They know what they’re doing."

Elected board president Monday, member Rayetta Waldo predicted the board might have an unusual year, considering it has plans for new school facilities amid Ironton’s struggle with losing 1,000 jobs last year.

The district is discussing future construction with the Ohio School Facilities Commission, which has announced money available for renovation and construction. The commission has indicated the community would have to pass a local bond levy to receive the majority of the construction costs from the state.

"We will just try to work with them in achieving our goal in bettering our current high school and getting a new K-6 building," Mrs. Waldo said.

In the long run, new school facilities can enhance Ironton’s job picture because educational opportunities are often at the top of new companies’ lists when they’re looking for locations, she said.

Also, the board remains dedicated to serving the students, and will focus on assistance for improving test scores and academic achievement, Mrs. Waldo said.

Although the new school process is in its early stages, community input will be needed, Pleasant said.

"We need to take our time and present this in a way that everyone can support," he said. "We will work on that and see what the future holds, but it will be up to the community."

Pleasant also looks forward to working with the board to help schools meet goals on safety and other issues.

Making every school better should be the common goal this year, Neal said.

"I want everybody that works for the school system to be happy and I want the administrators and department heads to run it," he said. "Any way I can help, I will help."

Ironton Board of Education meetings are held each fourth Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at the central office, Fifth and Center streets.