By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
Motorists will likely be stopping more than usual en route to work Monday morning as the Rowan-Salisbury School System rolls out 190 buses.
Nearly 11,300 students in the district will catch a ride.
That’s why transportation director Judy Burris said drivers should take extra precautions to ensure they make it to and from school safely.
“One of the main points we’re stressing to the public is to watch out for school buses and to obey the law by stopping for stopped school buses,” she said.
Burris said the North Carolina Department of Transportation recently placed two message signs near Spencer, where the most stop arm violations were recorded by a buses equipped with a seven-camera system.
“We’re hoping that these message signs will alert drivers to look out for the buses and to obey the law and stop for stopped school buses,” she said.
More than 25,000 public school children in the area will head back to class Monday. Here’s what else you need to know:
• New faces — Rowan-Salisbury has five new principals and assistant principals this school year. The district also has 84 new teachers, 62 who are completely new to the field. The Kannapolis City school system is welcoming one new administrator.
• Budget cuts — Rowan-Salisbury cut 40 positions including 14 curriculum coaches, 20 reading assistants, four lead teachers and two clerical spots to balance its budget . The people filling those roles have been re-assigned within the district.
• Back in the classroom — Kannapolis has hired full-time bus drivers who will also serve in janitorial positions. That takes the burden of driving for four or five hours a day off teaching assistants and puts them back in the classroom.
• Healthier meals — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has rolled out guidelines to ensure students receive a balanced diet. Look for more whole grains, fruits and vegetables in the cafeteria.
• School board race — Three seats are up for grabs on the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education. All three incumbents who have filed for re-election will face challengers.
• Higher lunch prices — Rowan-Salisbury and Kannapolis school are raising lunch prices. Students in Rowan will pay 15 cents more per meal, while those in Kannapolis will see a 10-cent hike.
• Free breakfast — Kannapolis will launch a universal breakfast program that provides free breakfast for all students. Rowan-Salisbury will offer universal breakfast at five elementary schools including Hanford Dole, Isenberg, North Rowan, Knollwood and Overton.
• More technology — There will be more than 7,500 mobile devices in the Rowan-Salisbury district this year. iPad programs will spread from four to 14 school this year.
• STEM at Knox — Knox Middle will enter its second year as a STEM school. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
• Curriculum changes — Schools will begin using new common core curriculum standards that set fewer yet clearer and higher expectations for students. Students will also begin taking end-of-year tests online.
• AP exam relief — Economically disadvantaged students can get help to cover costs of Advanced Placement exams, which typically cost $87 each. The test is required as part of the course and allows students the opportunity to earn college credit.
• New Title I schools — Both Knox and North Rowan middle schools will taken on Title I designation for the first time, joining all 20 of the district’s elementary schools. Schools with a poverty rate above 75 percent are eligible for the designation, which includes federal funds to provide supplemental educational services.
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.
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