The Baker School Board heard student assessment reports at its Nov. 2 meeting from all five school principals and the principal of the Alternative Learning Center.

Scores are low across the board in math, reading and language arts. The principals are determined to improve students’ performance.

Because of the low standing, “Everything we do is guided by a sense of urgency,” Baker High School Principal Traci Morgan said.

Principals plan to concentrate further on establishing a nurturing environment, improving attendance and changing disrespectful behavior.

In other business, the board approved an additional $600 a month for expenses over the $1,500 stipend awarded last month to Acting Superintendent Iris Walker. This $2,100 monthly is in addition to her regular salary.

She was appointed last month after Superintendent Estes Taplin rejected the new contract the board offered him, went back to Mississippi and has filed a law suit against the board.

On a happier note, the board enjoyed performances by the winners of the Baker Buffalo Festival talent competition who received trophies and gift cards.

Winners were Jermireya Bradford, gymnast, first grade; Ja’Sean Jervis, third-grader, with his impersonation of Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean;” and A’Jarriius Gremillion, fifth-grader singing “I Wanna Be a Billionaire.”

A 100-parent march is planned for noon, Saturday, Nov. 13, from the Municipal Center to Baker Middle to increase parent support of the schools. Organizer is Reatha Wright, president of Baker Middle Parent-Teacher Organization.

Approval was granted for Baker High social studies classes to travel to Houston Friday, Nov. 19, to tour the Holocaust Museum.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 7.