By Joni Simon
Contributing Writer

The vision of a 14-foot high statue of Sam Champion standing proudly in front of the high school that bears his name is still just that, a vision.

Boerne ISD trustee Erik Thormaehlen told the Boerne school board the economy has hurt a project that allows for anyone who can donate $100 to purchase a brick.

The problem is, Thormaehlen said, $100 is a lot of money with the economy in its current state.

“We need a new fundraising plan,” he said. “Maybe after the May meeting, the board can get behind this and get it going.

“This current plan is not working. What we need is time and money, and not many people have either of those things these days.”

The trustee added that the money might be easier to raise once everyone sees the new Boerne-Samuel V. Champion High School upon its completion.

“It’s a huge undertaking to raise $200,000,” Thormaehlen said.

Also during the April meeting:

n The board decided to end the 2008-2009 school year on Friday, May 29, with graduation the following day. School may end earlier, but it will also begin a day early, on August 14. That leaves 175 instructional days instead of 176. Only remedial students will attend school June 2 and 3, using the TEA Optional Flexible Year program idea, school officials said.

Boerne School District Superintendent Dr. John Kelly told trustees although he’s “avoided that topic over the years,” he’s willing to take the community education program as far as the community wants to go with it.

n The board zeroed in on technology, especially on learning with iPods. Teachers will encourage their newcomer English as a Second Language students to use their Apple iPods in class next year. The Boerne ISD is following the example of other districts, such as nearby San Marcos, who have found iPods to be valuable teaching tools for newcomer, ESL students.

“Mobile learning makes such a difference,” presenter Julie Turner said. “The students can speak into a microphone they take home to learn the words. After less than one year of iPod learning in the San Marcos newcomers’ class, students were scoring better on tests than those children who grew up in this country.”

The purchase of 31 iPods for the program is made possible through a Texas Exemplary Grant.

“San Marcos has only lost one iPod because of the way they structure the program,” Turner said.

She told the board the computer staff is just beginning to investigate computer learning possibilities that include online courses, including accelerated graduation.

“It keeps kids from dropping out,” presenter Steve Stewart said, adding there are other potential uses. “Students are able to learn a language that might not be offered at their school.”