Last night the Amador County Unified School District Board of Trustees took a look at the District’s Independent Study Program, Northstar and weighed whether or not to accept an invitation to participate in a state program for High Priority Schools. According to the State Department of Education this invitation is extended to schools having difficulty making standards developed under the state’s accountability program or the Federal No Child left Behind Act. According to Sandy Watson, Principal of the Northstar School, this invitation can be based on low test scores, or mandates imposed by the Federal Government through the No Child Left behind Program. These mandates include a certification by the school district that the school is staffed by “Highly qualified teachers”. A highly qualified teacher under the law must have: 1) a bachelor's degree, 2) full state certification or licensure, and 3) prove that they know each subject they teach.

Counties statewide must train their emergency response staff and other county staff members to remain eligible for federal grant funds related to natural disasters or terrorist attacks. These federal dollars are very important to all counties, especially small counties like our own Amador, that depend on these Federal Emergency Management Agency dollars for emergency situations such as road repairs from last winter’s and spring’s storms. Amador County supervisor OK'd the training program known as the National Incident Management System. The training consists of at least one all-day session for employees, and may include some online coursework.

President Bush said yesterday that when it comes to North Korea's reported nuclear test, the U.S. "remains committed to diplomacy," but that it "reserves all options" to defend its friends and its interests in the region against the North Korean threat. Bush, at a news conference at the White House, called for stiff sanctions against North Korea. He said there needs to be a "clear message" to the North Korean government that its "actions won't be tolerated.” He also vowed increased military cooperation with allies, including bolstering ballistic missile defenses in the region and increased efforts to prevent Pyongyang from importing missile and nuclear technology.

The Pine Grove Council finally revealed the plans that have been covered by the mystery sign last night. The Council announced is will undertake the task of raising funds to support the mystery project now revealed to be a proposed Upcountry Fire Station and Community Safety Services Center. The project, unveiled in front of Supervisor Louis Boitano and Supervisor Elect Ted Novelli, Pine Grove Council members and representatives from Amador Fire Protection District and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, will be constructed on the land located on the corner of Mt. Zion Road and Hwy. 88 that is owned by the Amador Fire Protection District.