SCHOOL DISTRICT Grading policy prompts questions from parents

The board awarded a contract to renovate the softball field.
By LAURA MILOSER
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NESHANNOCK, Pa. -- Parents in the Neshannock School District have questioned a grading policy at the elementary level.
Report cards for the first nine-week grading period were distributed this week in the district. Board member Tracy Stevenson, who also is policy committee chairman, asked Superintendent Dr. Michael Hink for data to track if pupil's grades were lowered because of missed homework assignments.
A district policy allows teachers to lower a pupil's grade by 5 percent after three missed homework assignments.
After hearing complaints from several parents, Stevenson said she would like to track the information to see how many pupils are affected and if it is necessary to look again at the policy.
Athletic director
In other action Thursday, the board tabled voting on additional duties for the athletic director.
The board will make a final decision regarding postseason play responsibilities of the athletic director after the board's athletic committee meets Nov. 22.
Board member Mary Jo Coyne said she would like to see a credit card assigned to the athletic director to be given to coaches to use for transportation, meals and overnight stays for athletic teams.
Hink said expenses are currently handled with cash or a check.
He added he has heard only negatives from other districts that use the credit-card system.
The board also awarded a contract to S & amp; S Processing of West Pittsburgh for field renovation work on the girls' softball field. S & amp; S was the low bidder at $3,419.
The board, however, could not agree on whether to add fencing around the field.
The board also approved registered nurses Kimberly Bush and Kimberly Fitzgerald to serve as substitute health-room assistants for the rest of the 2004-05 school year.