Toso speaks on JPS at Rotary meeting

Bob Toso, superintendent of Jamestown Public Schools, spoke at Rotary. Toso has been a part of the Jamestown community for the past nine years, six years as the assistant superintendent and three as the district superintendent.

Toso said the students enjoy having the Rotary soccer field on the campus of Jamestown High School. The school district is working on getting bleachers for spectators to enjoy the soccer games.

Toso said the school district received stimulus dollars from the federal government with minimal restrictions. He said the district could use some of the money on remodeling buildings and updating equipment, but the funds could not be used to build new buildings. The district put in a new phone system and the technical equipment to go with it.

Among expenditures, a new metal roof will be placed on Roosevelt Elementary School. They are also looking to purchase computer equipment and smart boards to help the students. Another program is “Reading 180” to help students in grades 4-12 with their reading. By doing the reading online through this program, they are then able to get feedback. Toso said they are using math in a nontraditional form so the students understand how the numbers work.

Other uses for the stimulus funds will be to make the buildings more energy efficient, like new windows, thermostatic controls, etc.

Toso said the district has had an increase of about 20 students this fall. This is positive since in the past the district has had fewer students. Currently 750 students are enrolled at the high school, and there is a decreasing trend in enrollment at the high school, not because of dropouts, but because the classes have been smaller. There is an upturn in elementary age children and this is good, Toso said.

The Sept. 22 meeting was presided over by President Tom Boerger. Tim Ottmar gave the invocation. Larry Hoffman and Bev Kennison led the music. Boerger said the Rotary club is grateful for the use of Jackie Tews’ portable electronic piano. She is allowing Rotary to use it until the club has its own.

Don Redmann collected numerous “Happy Dollars.” Marv Tokach gave a special thank you to Rotary members who helped him move back into his basement after the flooding.

Gail Martin reminded members about the Oct. 3 delivery date for the roses. If members haven’t wrapped up the rose sales there are only a few more days before it is time to deliver.

Dave Smette updated members on the Nepal project. Some of the funding grants at the International foundation level have been spent, so the current project the Jamestown Rotary club has submitted will be going back to the district to see if there are any available funds. However, this project will be a priority for the next Rotary year.

Dina Laskowski said there was a literacy committee meeting scheduled on Friday at Babbs and she will give updates at future meetings.

Today’s program is Eunice Sahr from the Stutsman County Extension Service. Darrell Losing will give the invocation, Tom Eckstein will lead the music and Mike Smyth will be sergeant at arms.

Tags: community, clubs, rotary, jps, toso, schools