MONROE — Members of the Monroe Board of Education came to a consensus during their meeting Aug. 27 that instead of hosting every meeting at the District Administrative Center in the Monroe Public Library, sessions would convene once per month at a school building within the district.

The idea was introduced because the board has been meeting at various schools to evaluate each of them prior to its bi-monthly meetings. 

Members toured each of the three elementary schools, the middle and high school building to capture a better understanding of recommendations made by the district facilities committee, which was formed to determine the fall referendum was necessary to make infrastructure and safety upgrades to district buildings.

District Administrator Rick Waski said between the two meetings each month, the board could hold one in the administrative center and alternate between the other locations during the other. He said that during meetings which bring in a larger audience, like distributing learning awards, the board could meet in other buildings with more space. Waski noted that the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School library may be the exception, but that the building has other options for gathering spaces.

The eight board members present gave a consensus of approval to the idea. Amy Bazley was absent from the meeting. 

The board does not meet twice during every month of the year. Waski said during those months, the single meeting could simply be held at the library. 

Board members also held a discussion over whether they need to approve applicants for early graduation after Monroe High School Principal Chris Medenwaldt submitted a request on behalf of a student who completed online courses in order to graduate a year early. 

Waski said he wanted to expand the discussion to see whether board members would welcome a change to policy regarding action by the board. He said if the credits are earned, he did not see why board members would reject a request. 

Administration reviews the student’s record and recommend them. Waski certifies graduates.

Board member Les Bieneman said in some cases, approval might still be important, like for students looking to bypass an entire year. 

Fellow members Jim Plourde, Mary Berger and Teresa Keehn all said they would like to know about the success of students graduating early, but would not need to vote on it. 

Other members of the board voiced their agreement with making the issue an informational item instead.