The Crete Public School District received praise and was reaccredited through AdvancED during an exit report by a team of visiting educators last Wednesday, March 3.

The report, given by the field agents of the regional accrediting organization, was unofficial  until it is reviewed by AdvancED staff, however, the team of educators were able to give their general perceptions from their visit to CPS.

Current and former teachers and principals from Nebraska, Kansas and Louisiana comprised the five-member team who evaluated Crete Public Schools as part of a process through AdvancED.

The former North Central Accreditation and Southern Association of Colleges and School form AdvancED to evaluate 23,000 public and private schools in 30 states.

Dr. David Gullatt, of Louisana, chaired the visiting committee and said they saw a strength and commitment to the implied mission of CPS. They talked with a total of 114 teachers, staff, students, parents, administrators, board members and members of the community during their visit. They experience time in all three buildings.

“I believe I would find the same good work going on next week or next year that we saw this week,” Gullatt said.

They were impressed with the special programs and outreach services of the school and the trust and community support.

“You have such a great outreach to the public – more than districts bigger than you,” he said.

He also praised the board and administrators for their district’s appreciation for diversity, student-centered outreach and professional development available to staff.

Building principals and Director of Instruction Dr.  Valorie Foy prepared reports of curriculum and programs for the committee to review in their process. A team visit is conducted by AdvancED every five years.

An official report will be sent to Superintendent Kyle McGowan within 30 days.

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At the regular meeting of the Board of Education on Monday, the Elementary Student Council were guests and gave a presentation of their activities and goals.

McGowan gave an update on the Middle School addition and said the anticipated occupancy date is Tuesday, March 16. They are planning on moving equipment and materials on Friday, March 19.

The board also considered an agreement in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding should the City of Crete purchase the National Guard Armory. Board members discussed the future need for space for school programs and partnering with the city in having the space available for rental.

The board approved the memorandum and allowed the building and grounds committee to negotiate with the city on a prepayment of rent with the amount to be approved by the full board. All is contingent on the city acquiring the property.

Elementary Principal Bret Schroder reported a 93 percent turnout for parent/teacher conferences in February. Kim Jacobson, Middle School principal, said the attendance for their student-led conferences was 85  percent.

The board also:

- Heard a report from Activities Director Jim Moore on number for Spring sports athletes: High School, 65-70 boys and girls track; 48 and 30, boys and girls soccer; 31, baseball; 8 boys golf; 14, girls tennis; 101, middle school track.

- Reported bids due back for high school gym bleachers on March 15.

- Approved the certified staff resignation of Pam Essink, elementary ELL teacher.

- Approved local substitute certificates for Fran Fiala and Kathy Damkroger.

- Approved the ESU 6 paper order of $17,334.75, down from last year’s total, $22,069.50.

- Approved a request from the High School Foreign Language Club to plan a two-week trip to Europe for summer 2011.