LINDEN &8212; Prompted by recent efforts from the National School Board Association, many school boards throughout the state have been working to get legislation passed to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act with some improvements, Linden City Schools became the second school board in the county to pass such a resolution.

Collier said the legislation has caused some difficulty with some systems and this resolution to pass House of Representatives Bill 648 would be a way to bring some improvements to the No Child Left Behind Act, which was signed in 2002.

The board also discussed the possibility of reviving a school band program.

According to Collier, a retired band director with 33 years experience has agreed to meet with interested children this week about their musical interests. There will be another meeting with parents to discuss the rental of instruments. There has also already been some talk of a band booster program.

The cost of the instruction will be covered this year under funds from the 21 Century after school program. Collier hopes in subsequent years there will be enough interest in the program so that when the 21 Century funds run out, the program will be able to sustain itself.

Principals from Linden High School, George P. Austin Junior High School and the Marengo County Technology Center were present to give reports about the first of the year.

Tim Thurman, principal at LHS, said, &8220;This year has been the smoothest beginning in the five years I&8217;ve been here, even with all the changes.&8221;

LHS recently underwent a transition into block scheduling and Thurman reported the 12th grade Advanced Placement students have received their laptops to be used in all their classes.

George Baldwin, director of the Marengo County Technology Center, said enrollment is up this year and they have three new certification programs.

Terry Goza, principal at George P. Austin Junior High School reported attendance numbers were holding steady.

Goza also said bussing the students to LES every day has gone well so far.

In other business, the board:

Approved the employment of Brooke Denmark as fifth grade teacher at Linden Elementary School.

Approved reemployment of Leaner Williams as pre-kindergarten teacher aide at Linden Elementary School.

Approved employment of Calvin Gamble as mathematics teacher at Linden High School.

Approved medical leave for Kathleen Bailey for 2007-2008 school year.