A High School Diploma was presented to Del'Von Hite at the regular monthly school board meeting Wednesday, Feb. 19. Since the old GED had been superseded by more stringent testing requirements, he hesitated. Eventually he decided to go ahead and take the new test. He passed with flying colors and was presented with a diploma by Board President Steven Burger. Hite intends to go into the military and go to college.
The board was informed Board member Paul Bloch is recovering from an illness that struck after the last regular meeting. California R-I Superintendent Dwight Sanders explained the snow-day makeup schedule which the board approved. The calendar for next year was also reviewed and approved. The "dead week" during which no athletics or other activities will be held in the district is June 28 to July 6 for 2014.
A cooperative agreement proposed for Jamestown middle schoolers to play football for the California team failed to garner enough votes to pass. During the discussion, it was explained that such a cooperative agreement about middle school would not affect the school's MSHSAA ranking. But if any other players were playing on the team at the high school level, MSHSAA rules would require students of both high school to be counted. In this case, it could raise California from a high 2A school to a low 3A school competing against much larger schools. A major concern was that allowing the agreement would hurt the chances of some California students to play on the Pintos teams.
The purchase of new band uniforms was approved following a presentation by band director Dustijn Hollon. The current uniforms are more than 10 years old and are showing their age.
The board reviewed the bids for the district-wide facility improvement which are coming up on the bond issue. The board accepted a bid and approved a Letter of Intent to CBH Builders, Inc., Jefferson City. Also approved was a bid and a Letter of Intent to ATG Sports Industries for athletic stadium construction. Both were accepted contingent on the passing of the April bond issue.
Elementary School Principal Daniel Williams reported enrollment of 599, an increase of three from the last report. He complimented the staff for modifying the lessons to help get the students "back on track" and taking advantage of every instructional minute available after the snow days missed. He also commented that there has been plenty of snow and he is ready for spring. The board approved Rachel Hees as an elementary teacher for 2014-15. The opening came available after the earlier resignation of Denice Wise.
Williams and six elementary teachers attended the Powerful Learning Conference at Tan-Tar-A. They attended meetings concerning initiatives the school is implementing. Stacy Friedrich was complimented for the fourth grade musical performance she directed on Jan. 30.
Middle School Principal Matt Abernathy reported enrollment at 300, up three students. Feb. 13 was a busy day at the middle school, starting with a "Cafe for Moms" before the start of school, a building-wide spelling bee during the day and a Sweetheart Dance starting at 3:30 p.m. First place winner was Taylor Barnes, second was Trevor Gerling and third was David Teal. Barnes will compete in Columbia at a later date.
High School Principal Mike Hight reported 393 students enrolled including 21 early graduates. Hight commended the maintenance staff on a good job of making sure the snow was cleared and the inside was ready when the students returned after the snow days. He also commended the teaching staff on returning with smiles and going right to work after the snow days.
The resignations effective at the end of the school year were accepted from Karin Allen, director of special services, and Sherry Gray, kindergarten teacher.
The next regular monthly meeting will be March 19.