At the February 9, 2015 meeting of the Bethel Board of Education (BOE), the board approved the creation of a middle school that will include grades 6 - 8.  The move was made to better prepare students as they transition from elementary to high school.  The plan is to help them develop more independent learning skills that they will need to have in high school.

In addition, Craig Vasil, High School Principal, requested that the board approve changes to the graduation requirements.  Currently, students need 21 credits to graduate.  Vasil requested that the requirement be increased to 22 credits.  He also recommended that American Government be extended to a yearlong class rather than the current semester class.  Vasil said, “This will help the students better prepare for the end of course exam that is now required by the state.”  

In other business, Dave Oleszczuk, Network Administered, reported that the new Website was launched on February 9, 2015.  The new site is designed to be more user friendly and to make it easier for users to find the information they need.

Joe Harkleroad, Owner’s Representative, provided the board members with an update on the building project.  He indicated that the estimated cost for the project met the $22.1 million dollar cap for the project.  However, the game fields will not be moved as called for in the original plan.  The plan is to move the fields eventually, but to meet the price cap the fields cannot be redone at this time.  A community forum is schedule for Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. to review the plans in detail.  

In addition, a memorial fund has been established in memory of Michael Johnston for students who may not have the resources to participate in the 8th grade Washington D.C. trip.  Additional donations will be accepted and a committee will be formed to select recipients from the fund.  

The next meeting of the Bethel BOE is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2015.