Mineola board approves stay-at-home grading plan

By Amanda Duncan
news@wood.cm
Posted 4/22/20

Mineola ISD board of trustees approved the proposed grading policy for virtual learning during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The grading policy that has been presented before the board is filled with grace,” said Superintendent Cody Mize. 

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Mineola board approves stay-at-home grading plan

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Mineola ISD board of trustees approved the proposed grading policy for virtual learning during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The grading policy that has been presented before the board is filled with grace,” said Superintendent Cody Mize. 

To determine student’s grades for the fourth nine-week grading period, the first, second and third nine-week periods will be combined into one average. That average will be compared to the student’s fourth nine-week average, and the better performance of the student will be reflected in the final grade of the fourth nine-weeks.

There are no weighted assignments as every assignment carries the same weight. Additionally, absentees will not be held against the student as there has been no way to track attendance. 

MISD will see several staff changes in the 2020-21 school year. The school board had the opportunity to rescind the resignation of Shelly Pollard.

“We’re glad that she’s making a decision to stay in our district and serve in our high school in the English/Language Arts department,” said Mize.

Five resignation letters were submitted: Kay Bachert at the middle school, Hunter Barr at the high school and Laura Grindle, Theresa Mallory and Bethanie Williams at the elementary school. 

Six high school contracts were approved: John Smith for English/Language Arts, Katherine Elmore for English/Language Arts, Monica Brannon for mathematics, Callie Mize for art and Ricky Ramirez for HVAC and electrical in the CTE program.

Mize recommended High School Principal David Sauer to the position of assistant superintendent.

“David has served our district for 25 years in multiple capacities. We appreciate his leadership, his character, his work ethic, and his desire to continue to serve the students and staff at Mineola ISD.”

In the public forum, Jana Nance and Kara Ellerbee spoke in support of elementary school Principal Stacy Morris.

Nance pointed out that Morris’ contract was tabled at a previous board meeting while awaiting the results of the STAAR test. However, now that there will not be a STAAR assessment, teachers want to know if Morris’ contract will be put back on the table.

“You haven’t seen all the hard work that we’ve all done. Morris has pushed us all. We meet weekly to discuss students and no one is left behind. Will her contract be renewed?” asked Nance. “We haven’t had a chance to show that we and our students are not an F campus.” 

Ellerbee said that she was in the original meeting where the hiring of Morris as the elementary school principal was discussed and that Morris was indeed the best candidate.

“She has risen to the top in every situation,” praised Ellerbee. “We are a stronger campus today than in the last seven years. We are more than the score we received last year.”