Achievement by at-risk students who participated in a mathematics laboratory in the first semester of the 2009-10 school year was a point of pride at Monday’s meeting of the Leland Board of Education.

Principal Jason Stowe told board members that all 35 students assigned to one of two math labs for intensive instruction had passed their math courses in the first semester. Participants had been identified as students who were “at risk” of not passing mathematics courses.

Board members were told the success was especially important because of new state graduation requirements, which require that beginning with the Class of 2011 all students will be required to successfully complete four years of mathematics, including Algebra II.

“Last year we began providing extra support for students taking geometry,” Superintendent Mike Hartigan said.

To follow up, using standardized test scores Stowe and counselor Heather Lowe identified students who could benefit from additional instruction during mathematics laboratories last fall. The laboratories were led by teachers Ryan DeFour and Brian Fedderman.

“There was a 100 percent passing rate for these students first semester,” Hartigan said. “Performance levels are up and these kids are on track to make the new math requirements. We’re excited about it.”

In unrelated business during the regular monthly meeting, the board agreed to sign an “interested school form” to seek additional information about the standards for establishing and maintaining an International Baccalaureate School. The International Baccalaureate Organization has established uniform standards and curriculum for schools worldwide. There are three different IB programs for different grade levels, but all include rigorous academic, cultural, and foreign language requirements with an emphasis on critical thinking and public speaking.

Currently, the board is only investigating the option. The application process is lengthy and can stretch out over a number of years, Hartigan said.

In other business, the board:

• Accepted a gift of a portable dance floor for use by students in the drama department. The portable wooden floor was donated anonymously for use by students who could be at risk of injuring themselves while practicing dance moves on traditional floor services. The equipment is valued at $5,000.

• Accepted the resignation of Keven Pershinke as girls’ basketball coach.

• Approved an agreement with Leelanau Township to collect summer taxes at a rate of $2.50 per parcel.

• Met for 15 minutes in closed session to discussion ongoing contract negotiations with the Leland Education Association.