Troy parents to have online access to student records

By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter

Troy parents by January can get a closer look at their high school students' progress.

Students in ninth through 12th grades will have their quarterly and current grades, homework assignments, attendance records and more available on the Internet.

"The idea is designed for better communication between the school and parents," said superintendent Brady Selle. "Oftentimes when kids get to high school age, they don't communicate as well with parents. This will allow parents to have immediate access to present grades and current homework assignments. It's tremendous."

District technology director Roy Richardson updated the school board on the program during Tuesday's school board meeting.

"Parents and students will be able to look and see what is expected to be done," Richardson said.

The Web site also will include a student's schedule and missed classes.

Selle will notify parents through a future monthly newsletter on how to access the Web site.

"We're still working on that end of it and making sure everything is up to date," he said. "Those parents who use the system will get a student ID and pin."

In other business, there's a possibility the gym floor at the high school might need replaced. It's estimated to cost $50,000 to $100,000, Selle said.

The original floor dates back to the 1950s and has experienced moisture problems.

"It's developed some dead spots," Selle said. "It's kind of like hollow underneath."

In addition, for many years a water-based finish was used to maintain the floor.

"We were encouraged to go with a newer, more modern oil-base finish and we've had trouble keeping it clean. It's pretty slick. When you have a high level game of basketball, you want to be able to stop quickly."