The California R-I School Board was recognized in advance of School Board Recognition Week, which is Jan. 24-30. A proclamation from Gov. Jay Nixon was read and each board member presented with a certificate of appreciation.
The board approved Feb. 12 as a snow makeup day due to the cancellation of school on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Superintendent Dwight Sanders explained that there are no snow days built-in to the school calendar. There are certain days on the calendar planned as no-school days, which are also designated as snow-day makeup days.
The board also approved several staff resignations which will be effective at the end of the school year. Resignations were accepted from Daniel Williams - Elementary Principal, Peggy Huhmann - High School Math Teacher, Hal McNeal - Middle School Social Studies Teacher, and Terry Campbell, Elementary Custodian.
Williams will be going to the Tipton R-VI School as superintendent. Huhmann and McNeal will both be retiring. Campbell plans to enter the military.
A change in the tuition rate for sending schools (such as Clarksburg, High Point and Latham) and private students was approved by the board. The rate is changed from $6,500 per pupil to $7,000 per pupil. This increase will bring the change closer to the actual rate, calculated to be $7,500.
High school and middle school Band Director Dustijn Hollon gave a presentation on the activities of the different bands, group, classes and ensembles to the board. He brought special attention to the eight trophies and two plaques presented to the bands during the fall semester. He expressed appreciation for the donation of funds for upgrading the percussion instruments from the E.M. Burger Foundation. Hollon also spoke about the problems of the band trip to march in the Citrus Bowl Parade in Florida over New Year's. There were problems with one of the two buses contracted for the trip. One quit running, with the band waiting an extra day to get a replacement on site. He expressed appreciation for the police and fire department escort upon the return of the band to the city.
A Chromebook presentation by fifth grade teachers explained how the new technological tools are used. Currently each classroom has at least 12 of the devices, with 18 for the eMints classroom. Elementary Principal Williams spoke about the new headphones with heavy-duty wires which are being ordered for the elementary students to use with the Chromebooks. The younger students have proven to be very hard on the cheaper wires, resulting in a short life-span for the wires.
The board approved ballot language for the April election. Filing ended Tuesday, Jan. 19, with incumbents Rhonda Meyer and Kyle Wirts challenged by Derek VanLoo.
The elementary school enrollment was at 626, down three from last month. Williams reported the heating system is working better. Several fan motors, more than 20 years old, were replaced during the break helping the heating efforts in the third grade classrooms, the hallways and the cafeteria. Several elementary staff members have been participating in a reading pilot implementation. There are two programs selected for testing and they are analyzing the two programs. The "swimming unit" for physical education classes is running during January and February.
Middle School Principal Matt Abernathy reported enrollment at 287. Class level spelling bees have been held, narrowing down the number for the building-wide spelling bee. Students have begun rehearsals for the middle school musical, Lion King, which is set to be performed in March.
High School enrollment was 395. Principal Sean Kirksey reported counselors had asked students to answer a question of what makes a great teacher. Based on these responses, four teachers were selected to be recognized. They are Clarice Nelson, Robb Hartman, Denise Banderman and Jaime Johnston.
The next regular board meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 17.