CCSD BOARD CUTS TEACHER POSITION
6-2 vote eliminates third grade faculty position

Weeks of debate came to an end at this month's Cameron County School Board meeting, when direc- tors decided on a 6-2 vote to eliminate a third-grade faculty position.

Board members have been considering several options, from tapping the district's fund balance to raising real estate taxes, in response to rising costs reflected in drafts of the 2008-09 operating budget.

They finally decided not to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of third-grade teacher Ron Horning.

Some 57 incoming thirdgrade students will be spread out over the remaining three teachers. A teacher's aide may be available to help, Board President Robert Lininger said.

Instructional Support Teacher Patricia Miller suggested that students' improved scores on reading tests could be the result of smaller class sizes and more individual attention.

Board member Kris Umble, who cast one of the dissenting votes, said students need smaller class sizes for improved learning environment.

However, speaking for the majority, director Nick Botera pointed out that test scores are not a reliable barometer due to variances from year to year.

In other business, the school board:

--approved the hiring of Shawn Bidwell as assistant varsity football coach.

--hired Don Sestina and Beth Malizia as summer school supervisors, at a pay rate of $26 per hour.