The board of education tour of schools led to Hillsboro Elementary School Monday for the LSIC (Local School Improvement Council) meeting.

Principal Ricky Sharp, II, shared concerns of the LSIC over the accessibility of the school.

Sharp reported the school did poorly on the recent code red lockdown drill that brought to light issues that need to be addressed. The LSIC suggested an updated intercom system and a buzzer on the main entrance for visitors.

Superintendent C.C. Lester and Associate Superintendent for Operations and Treasurer Alice Irvine informed Sharp that they received quotes for the intercom system and will choose a firm to install the new system as soon as possible.

Sharp also shared his "dream" for the school to have air conditioning.

Introducing the PTO President, Sharp said he is pleased with the the new organization and its goals.

"I'm very excited about the PTO," he said. "It's an extremely diverse group of individuals that have come together with a common goal. A prime example of the diversity and enthusiasm this group holds is our PTO President, Wildman Adams."

Adams, a new resident of Pocahontas County, is part of the Gesundheit! Institute and has several ideas for educational extracurricular activities for the children, including a tie-dying workshop with each class, Italian language lessons, clowning and a book giveaway.

Sharp shared the technology upgrades HES has received. Through a Reading First grant, the school received 20 mini notebook laptops with wireless access. The computer lab has 22 new desktop computers and the old computers will be utilized in the classrooms and in a small lab.

He also reported the school plans to have a ham and bean dinner November 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and a hunter's breakfast November 22.

With the assistance of board president Kenneth Vance and Lester, Sharp recognized students who received distinguished, mastery or above mastery on the WESTEST last year. Fifth grader Victoria Rose received distinguished in all subject areas.
Students making mastery and above in all subject areas were Khy Williams and Rhiannon Cohenour. Mastery and above in more than one subject were Patience Garretson and Gabrielle Hoke. Mastery in one area were Regan Haney and Deana Workman.

Vance, Lester and Sharp also recognized the staff of HES for their dedication to the school and the students. Those honored were: Doris Sharp, Tina Sharp, Sondra Vaughan, Sylvia Walton, Lefford Kidd, Don McNeel, Lake Vaughan, Sabrina Jordan, Carrie Hickman, Sandra Irvine, Cora Lee Carpenter, Shannon Alderman, Darlene Arbogast, Virginia Calhoun, Denise Elliott, Jenny Friel, Maria Hall, Gina Hardesty, Janesa Henderson, Kelly Hickson, Lois McCutcheon, Stephanie Mitchell, Gary Pillow, Laura Pritt, Christine Smith and Roseanne Zeni.

Vance also had a quiz for the fourth and fifth grade students who attended the meeting. He asked them questions about the board and the information given during the meeting. Students with correct answers were given a gold dollar coin.

The next board of education meeting is Tuesday, October 26, at 7 p.m. in the board of education conference room.