Libby Schools continues with Iowa testing

The Libby School Board voted Monday night to continue administering the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills to students in grades 1 through 11.

The standardized tests had been a topic of conversation among local educators with questions about their effectiveness. The tests, used by school districts around the country, measure students’ abilities in subjects such as math and language arts. They are graded with a percentile score for comparative and grade equivalent purposes.

The tests will be given to students in the fall – and kindergarteners are not included.

The board met back on June 29 during a special curriculum and testing work session to consider various testing options and to decide upon a recommendation.

In other news from the meeting:

• The board hired Nik Rewerts as a fifth-grade teacher. Rewerts had worked for the district as a long-term substitute for Tom Gallagher, who was deployed in Iraq with the Montana Army National Guard. Lacie Farmer, Michelle Hamm and Jamie Hunt were approved for teaching contracts at Asa Wood Elementary. Melissa Martineau was hired as a part-time interventionist at Asa Wood. Christine Moeller was hired to fill a nutrition server position. The board also approved its summer school personnel.

• The board heard a request for additional coaches to the LHS soccer, track and softball programs. Soccer and softball would like to add one assistant coach while track would like to increase a part-time position to full-time.

• School superintendent Kirby Maki reported on the status of an energy grant. The grant would pay for the installation of energy-efficient windows at the high school. At last word, Maki expected an award in the range of $90,000 to $115,000.

• The board scheduled a budget work session for Monday, Aug. 3, at 4 p.m.