Newark BOE tours schools
By John Zornow
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All five Newark school buildings were examined by members of the school board prior to Wednesday night's meeting.

The renovation tour that started at Lincoln Elementary and ended at the High School was proposed by board member Gloria Matias. The board members learned of positive things that have occurred, as well as the items that still need attention. Business Manager Robert Fogel said that contractors are informed of most of the renovation items needing attention.

Jim Dorn gave a comprehensive district technology report, citing the progress that has been made in getting the education system up to speed the area of computer capabilities.

Dorn, the computer services cooprdinator, indicated that all five buildings are now connected and live. Dorn added that kindergarten students are now logging onto computers. He said, "I have never seen such excitement in education."

The board discussed the proposed building project, and what will be included in it. A sample of the items that might be included are items that were not addressed as part of current renovation project. These include bus garage work, paving, auditorium lighting, comprehensive painting district wide, the Miller St. pull-off and community computer center. All of these items are aidable at the 90.8 percent figure.

Speaking of auditoriums, board member Dave Honness said that all school auditoriums should be made ready and available for community fine arts use, with the same degree of importance that sports events command. Jeff Snow agreed with the fine arts use, only if it goes hand in hand with student needs.

An executive session was planned at the end of the regular meeting to deal with:

NTA/NPA/CSEA Negotiations; a Pending Lawsuit; Individual Student Discipline; and Evaluation of Individual Staff.

The next board meeting is December 9, to held at the KELLEY SCHOOL.