| School
Board meets
The school board held their regular January meeting last Tuesday, Jan. 20 and accepted the resignation of Travis Mader as softball coach. Mader, when talked to later, said with his new teaching duties this year and the athletic director duties that something had to give. He said he had considered resigning before last year’s season for similar reasons but stuck with it for one more year. He said he also feels it’s good for a new head coach to be stepping into a strong program. In other business the Crisis/Facility Use Policy was discussed. In the policy they have stipulated that people who us the facilities show insurance and follow the procedures outlined in the policy. The early graduation policy was also discussed. There was discussion about the checklist that needs to be followed. The application and policy now match. The emergency closure of January 5 was formally approved by the board. There was discussion about setting up a workshop to go over future district plans. Ideas tossed out were looking at a 4-day week, what to do with lowering enrollments, closing a building, what happens if Summit would close, the 2% decrease coming from the state, what to do about the heating system. They are looking at coming in at 6:30 p.m. on some date convenient to most of the board members. Board member Della Gehring said we need to look at where are we overbudgeted. Superintendent Gary Blaz will try to come up with a proposed date and put it out to the board. The board meeting for February was set for Tuesday, Feb. 17 as the regular meeting date is President’s Day. It will be at the Middle School. In administrative reports Todd Shumway noted that semester grade checks were completed and coaches notified of player eligibility. Girls district is set to start on January 31. He also noted the new state championship banners are now up in the gym. He reported that LCSC representatives will be coming Jan. 29 to sign up students for dual enrollment credit and to discuss future possible electives. He reported that Gift of the Magi performances went well with many positive comments abut the efforts to bring theater back to the high school. Mr. Eynon and the drama class are currently looking at what their production will be for the spring. There will be a school ski day at Cottonwood Butte on Jan. 30. They are also starting open gym activity nights for a few Fridays in January through March. Rene’ Forsmann noted that wrestling practice started Jan. 5 and they would be hosting a tournament Jan. 24. The Elks Hoop Shoot was held in Grangeville on Jan. 10. On Jan. 15 the 5th and 6th grade students meeting accelerated reading goals had a party at the school. They ate pizza, watched movies and played in the gym from 3 to 7 p.m. Also on Jan. 15 all 8th grade students took the Explore Test. This is similar to the ACT and gives students ideas on what they have an aptitude for and give them possible options on future careers. Junior High volleyball practice started Jan. 20. A hunter safety course was set for Jan. 26-30 for 6th grade students from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Blaz talked about incorporating technology into students’ lessons. He also talked about the heating project and the torte case. The board adjourned to an executive session at 8:35 p.m. As stated earlier the next board meeting will be Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the Middle School library with a presentation and food starting at 6:30 and the meeting at 7. |
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