It’s a classroom tool and it’s high-tech. The Smart Board interactive whiteboard is a big hit at Clinton-Massie.

Combining a whiteboard with the power of a computer, Smart Board interactive whiteboards have been engaging Clinton-Massie students, staffers said. Lesson activities can be structured to create interest and have students use the ideas and skills being taught.

“I have never seen anything in my 21 years have an impact on teaching like this technology,” said Clinton-Massie administrative staffer Mark McCormick during Monday’s school board meeting.

Through Smart Boards, students get hands-on technology “for meaningful, relevant purposes,” McCormick said.

It helps gets students “actually engaged in learning,” he added.

Enthusiasm for its usage can be contagious, said McCormick. “As we anticipated beforehand, the kids are driving this a lot.”

McCormick encouraged the school board members to walk through the middle school in particular to catch classrooms utilizing Smart Boards.

“Just to see the technology that’s happening. It’s phenomenal, truly phenomenal,” he said.

Smart Boards are a good classroom tool, say proponents, because they help energize the subject matter and motivate the learner.

Clinton-Massie teachers and aides are being trained in the Smart Boards technology and its uses. A discussion is planned to have teachers talk with other teachers about how they are integrating the Smart Board in teaching and learning, McCormick said.

The technology utilizes lessons and templates — templates that can be used and adapted to suit a teacher’s needs for specific grade levels.

On another matter, Clinton-Massie students in the Leadership Clinton youth program spoke to the school board about a project they propose to do. Brianna Lamke, Jeff Burton, Gary Smith and Mariah Rhoads plan fund-raisers in order to help build a recreational area on the school grounds for students with multi-handicaps.

The school board encouraged the four students, and indicated they are willing to provide financial support for the project.

The board approved hiring as substitute teachers: Jacqueline Brant, Lindsey Butler, Carol Denier, Terry Fender, Regina Groger, Carissa Harvey, Molly Jacobs, Willard Johnson, Lindsay Lane, Rosalind Reade, Kathleen Reeder, James Robinson, Gina Root, Kasey Smith, Teresa Thobaben and Melinda Woodruff.

Approved for employment as substitute aides were Michelle Adams, Sharon Cameron, Mary Dyer, Danielle Eades, Alma Hinojosa, Debbie Smith and Bonnie Stotts.

The resignations of interpreter Jenny Bennedetti and custodian Craig Dawley were accepted.

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leaves were approved for Margo Flint, Robyn King and Lisa Ross.

An unpaid leave of absence was OK’d for bus driver Neil Weber.