GOSNELL -- Focus at the Gosnell School District is turning toward preparation for state benchmark and end-of-course exams, which will begin in the spring.
According to reports made by principals Brian Carter and Angie Middleton to the School Board Monday night, target tests created by teachers are being administered to students currently, so that instruction can be tailored to improve student scores.
The elementary school will also be going through an additional accreditation process with AdvancEd, which will culminate in a specially called meeting of the school board at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8.
Superintendent Bonard Mace informed the board that the focus for the facilities master plan over the next few years will be the replacement of HVAC systems in the elementary and junior high school buildings. Mace's contract was also approved by the board for another year.
The board approved the installation of wireless Internet access to all campus buildings. Assistant Superintendent Kevin Evans told the board that the school district will be joining in a national education trend which allows students to use their personal electronic devices for learning purposes.
Also approved was an expenditure of $10,000 to hire on a consulting firm which will help the school transition to Common Core curriculum for grades three through eight in the upcoming school year.
The meeting was concluded with the board giving honor to the life and work of Drew Blankenship, the school district's competitive trap shooting coach, who passed away Saturday.
sharris@blythevillecourier.com