On Wednesday, April 15, as required by statute, the California R-I School Board accepted the results of the recent election, dissolved the board, swore in the two winners, and reorganized. The board meeting was held at the high school library media room.
The winners in the five-way race were incumbents Jay VanDieren and Paul Bloch, out-polling challengers Kristie Glenn, Mike Staton and Paula Wolken.
Following the swearing in ceremony, the board elected as officers President VanDieren, Vice President Craig Ash, Treasurer Kyle Wirts and Secretary Susie Oliver.
One young person received a California High School diploma as part of the Missouri Option program. Jacob William Quinn Price made a presentation about how the diploma will help him in the future and was presented with the diploma.
There were four resignations accepted. They were Carol Carlson - high school paraprofessional, Cheryl Gosnell - ESL, Debbie Dees - high school math, and Jennifer Cain - elementary teacher.
Several items of new business came before the board. Michele Bilyeu presented information about a possible choral trip. The choice of which of the two possible trip destinations will be decided later after input is received from parents.
The five-year beverage bid of Coca-Cola was accepted following discussion and comparison with other bids.
The transportation contract was approved with the condition that the school buses have the school name on them.
The board also approved the Education Technology Assistance Program agreement with Midwest Computech for the 2015-16 and the 2016-17 school years. A request for authorizing logo-labeled apparel by Pel Athletics, a division of Pel Industries, died for lack of a motion after discussion by the board.
Elementary School Principal Daniel Williams reported the enrollment at 607. The events of the last month reported included the fifth grade musical, directed by Stacy Friedrich and a team of visiting teachers from Winfield Elementary observing K-2 grades for newer grading methods and software applications as applied to the local school. He also reported on "Hat Day" in cooperation with the local Relay For Life which raised $319.10.
In addition, a professional conducted a building security survey and will report back to the administration the results of staff surveys.
Middle School Principal Matt Abernathy reported 309 students enrolled. He also reported more than 57 percent attendance at the parent/teacher conferences, unusually high for spring conferences. The middle school had a Spring Sports pep assembly on March 27, recognizing all athletes who participated in fall sports and all participating in spring sports.
High School Principal Mike Hight reported 394 students enrolled. There are eight early graduates. The CHS band performed at the opening of Silver Dollar City in Branson on April 8. All juniors are to take the ACT on April 28.
The next regular board meeting is Wednesday, May 20.