By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
LEEDS – The Leeds Board of Education heard a presentation on a health sciences program during a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
The meeting began with a report from Chief Financial Officer Ryan Miller. During December, which was three months into the fiscal year, 24% of the general fund revenues and 21.9% of the local revenues were received, down compared to this time in 2022.
The month was ended with an excess of expenditures of $437,000 and an unreserved fund balance of $3.7 million.
Afterwards, health sciences teacher and HOSA advisor Shannon Logan presented an overview of the program for the board. Logan said that she has been serving as a registered nurse for 14 years and the course is now in its seventh year at the school district.
Logan presented a slideshow with pictures of students who have taken part in the course, as well as information on what the classes teach.
“It is a career and technical education pathway where our students learn about wellness and nutrition, injuries, technology, how to take care of people and communication,” she said. “It’s a lot of good things. Basically teaching them how to be health care professionals.”
Logan explained that the program will offer the following classes for students – Foundations of health sciences, human body structures and function, patient care technician and health science internships.
She said that HOSA is a course that is integrated by the state. It is an organization that helps graduating students get ahead in the health field.
80 students are enrolled in the health sciences course, with 57 having been involved in HOSA. Logan said that nearly 800 students have been in the health sciences courses over the years. She added that there has also been a high passing rate since it was implemented.
Board President Kathy Dutton asked if the program counts as a college credit, to which Logan said that this has been allowed for students recently.
“We’re so thankful for the work you do and how you work with our kids,” Superintendent John Moore told Logan. “It’s an impactful program.”
In his comments Moore announced that the special education program for high needs students was awarded a $300,000 grant from the state. He added that no positive drug tests results have been recorded in students for the past school year.
Additionally, Moore said that the Leeds Elementary School roads are in need of paving and that he may have to meet with an architect to oversee the project.
The next meeting will be held on March 14, at 6:30 p.m., at the Leeds Board of Education Building on 1517 Hurst Avenue.
Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@gmail.com.