Five Things to Know From Wednesday's School Board Meeting

The Ocean City Board of Education took time to recognize the accomplishments of a student artist and winter sports teams on Wednesday, and here are five other things that might be of interest:

• PSSS Tests: The board discussed the merits of replacing PSAT tests with the PSSS tests. The PSSS tests are designed by the College Board, are given to students in 9th grade and provide an earlier indicator of academic areas that might need work in order to achieve success on the SAT. Because students can now mix top scores from multiple SAT test attempts, the PSAT tests (taken in 11th grade) have become less popular. They're also much more expensive. But PSAT participation levels is one of the measures New Jersey schools are judged by on the new school report cards. The board seemed to be leaning toward saying, "Forget the state and its report card, and let's do what's best for the students." Superintendent Kathleen Taylor said she would survey students and parents and report back to the board on the idea.
• 'Footloose' Billboard: The board and play director Robert Lemaire thanked Ocean City business owner Jim Ginn for donating a billboard on the 34th Street causeway to promote "Footloose: The Musical," which will be performed Thursday through Saturday. "Ticket sales are going crazy," Lemaire said.
• 'Digital Driver's License': Members of the school's IT staff announced plans to implement a program for ninth-graders. The "Digital Driver's License" curriculum will teach young students how to use technology appropriately and safely. 
• Auditorium Reconstruction: Twelve contractors attended a pre-bid meeting to learn about specifications for a job to remediate a flood-prone auditorium. Bids are due May 2, and the work is expected to be done this summer.
• After-Prom Turns 20: The board thanked Alice Wolf (Ocean City Primary School nurse) for her work in helping organize the after-prom activities, which will be offered to students for the 20th time on Saturday, May 18.