Commissioners approve funding for PAX program

By Dean Shipley

Staff Writer

Because the PAX good behavior game works, Madison County Commissioners are willing to fund its implementation in London City Schools.

Following a presentation by Kellie Portman, the PAX Good Behavior Game coach for teachers, in conjunction with the Mental Health Recovery Board, commissioners approved funding the proposed pilot program to be introduced into London City Schools for the fourth quarter. It will be implemented following spring break.

Portman said the PAX Good Behavior Game helps children become students.

It reduces in-class distractions and gives students more focus and attention. It teaches self-discipline and self-control.

Along with data from Monroe Elementary School and Madison-Plains schools, Portman submitted testimonials from teachers who agreed to give it a try. Portman said she encountered some initial reluctance, but it turned to enthusiasm when those teachers witnessed the “fourth miracle.”

Madison-Plains Intermediate School’s Diane Hane, who teaches in the classroom for Severely Emotionally Disturbed students, called it “amazing, unbelievable. I didn’t think it would work with our kids.”

Jennie Storts, fourth grade teacher at Monroe Elementary said it taught her students to be “fully attentive and engaged in learning.”

Bottom line: “I love it,” Storts said.

For those reasons and more, commissioners approved the amount requested for the pilot program of $5,420.

• In other business, commissioners met with state officials of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) District 5 and deputy registrar, Bart Reinier for further discussion on the move of the deputy registrar’s office to the vacant side of 13 N. Oak St. It is located next door to the auto title office run by the county clerk of courts.

“We do try to make one-stop shops,” said Dana Warner, chief of BMV District 5. “It’s better customer service for the public.”

Commissioners would fund the build-out of the approximately 1,250-square-foot office space on the first floor.

That would include heating and air conditioning, electrical and lighting but no plumbing. Employees would share a common-access restroom and mechanical room.

No time line was established for the potential project.