School board holds special meeting to approve new phonics curriculum

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City School District Board of Directors held a special meeting at 7 a.m. Wednesday morning to approve the new phonics curriculum.

Washington Elementary Principal Nanette Smith and Lincoln Principal Marcia DeVore created a task force to review the current curriculum they are using for literacy. The task force of elementary teachers, parents and administration have concluded this phonics curriculum best fits the needs of Charles City Community School students to advance their literacy comprehension.

Smith was at the meeting, as were teachers Shannon Venz and Brandy Mutch. The new phonics curriculum will cost $38,763.60 and be paid out of ESSER III funds.

In other business on Wednesday, the board:
• Accepted the resignation of Amanda Borman, CCMS special education para-educator, effective Dec. 30.
• Approved the personnel transfer CCMS special education teacher Jill Stretch, to Lincoln special education teacher, effective Jan. 3.
• Approved the transfers of Tammela Frascht and Sandra Ortmayer, from part time to full time CCHS special education para-educator, effective Jan. 3.
• Approved the appointments of Hayleyjo Fransen and Lucas Anderson, CCMS reading teachers.
• Approved the appointment of Alecia Dean, ELA after-school interventionist.
• Approved the appointment of Jennifer Seehusen, math after-school interventionist.