Contract talks between Hoover-Schrum Elementary District 157 and the union representing teachers, paraprofessionals and secretaries officially are under way.

Following a July 10 introductory meeting, negotiators for the sides got together again last week and began contract discussions.

"It was very positive," said Susan Henke, union president and chief negotiator. "I'm finding everyone extremely cooperative and hopeful."

Contracts for all three employee groups expired in June and this is the first time they are bargaining together.

"We're off to a good start," School Board President Natalie Barnes said.

The negotiating teams met for about three hours, Henke said, and are scheduled to return to the table July 30.

She spoke positively about the first bargaining session and expressed hopes for a swift settlement, saying she thinks it is possible there will be a contract to present to the union membership by Aug. 25.

"There's no reason why we can't get it done," Henke said.

D.156 post tech position

The Lincoln Elementary District 156 School Board last week accepted the resignation of Rose Jordan as supervisor of technical support systems, effective Aug. 1.

Jordan has accepted the position of technology director in neighboring Hoover-Schrum Elementary District 157.

Her last day in District 156 will be July 31, Superintendent Darryl Taylor said.

District 156 has posted the technology position and the deadline for applications is Wednesday or until the position is filled, he said.

Taylor said he hopes to have a candidate to bring to the board for its approval next month.

Welcome back

A Welcome Back Festival for Lincoln Elementary School students and their families will Aug. 20.

The festival begins at 1 p.m. and will include refreshments, face painting, a disc jockey and inflatable jumping apparatus, Superintendent Darryl Taylor said.

The 2008-09 school year begins with a teacher institute Aug. 22. The first attendance day for students will be a half day Aug. 25.

Sandridge sets registration

Registration for students at Sandridge Elementary School will be from noon to 8 p.m. July 30 and from 6 a.m. to noon July 31.

There will be a $25 discount on consumable fees for those who register on these days.

Fees for students who are registered July 30 and 31 will be $65 for those in early childhood and kindergarten; $105 for students in first through fifth grades, and $125 for students in sixth through eighth grades. Fees for students after these dates will be $90 for early childhood and kindergarten; $130 for first through fifth grades; and $150 for students in sixth through eighth grades.

Four proofs of residency are required at registration along with the child's Social Security card. All early childhood, kindergarten and new students must present a certified birth certificate -- not a hospital copy -- at the time of registration.

-- Education notebook appears on Mondays. School news may be sent to Joan Carreon, c/o Illinois Editor Chris Keller at The Times, 601 W. 45th Ave., Munster, IN 46321.