In the Monday meeting of the Durant ISD Board of Education board members focused on the immediate future plans for the district.

Two trips were approved by the board. An overnight out-of-state trip was approved for the Durant High School Cross Country Track team.

The track team will be going to Rogers Ark. on Nov. 17 for the Oklahoma-Arkansas All-Star Cross Country Meet.

The team was approved to go because two team members qualified for the event. An overnight out-of-state trip is scheduled for the DHS Choir as well.

The DHS Choir will be headed to San Antonio Texas on May 24-27 to participate in the Music Choice Events.

This event will be paid for fully out of band fund rather than general school funds.

Also discussed in the meeting was a resolution concerning high stakes standardized testing for students.

The resolution proposed by Superintendent Simeroth calls for legislators to look at how students are evaluated and try to find a more efficient method than the standardized testing currently in place.

Simeroth said that the board is concerned with the overemphasis that is being put on standardized testing and feels that teaching should be more student centered.

The resolution will go to the legislature and then to the community members.

The final item on the agenda was a presentation of a recommendation from the superintendent to dismiss a Special Education teacher.

The board voted to set a hearing date for Ms. Beverly Beardon for her poor attendance record. Ms. Beardon was hired in September but has not been in contact with any personnel from the Durant ISD since Oct. 17.

Several attempts were made to contact Ms. Beardon including contacting her next of kin and visiting her house which appeared to be unlived in according to Simeroth.

Due to the unusual behavior authorities have been notified that she has been unreachable for such a period of time.

Notice will be sent to her address informing Ms. Beardon of the dismissal recommendation. Mr. Beardon will have the opportunity to present her case during the hearing.