The California School Board met Aug. 15, the night before classes resumed for nearly 1,400 students.
Elementary school Principal Gary Baker reported there was about 95 percent participation in the school's Back to School Bash held Aug. 14. The PTO held a party in the gym, as local churches and businesses contributed to the event.
Baker also reported three teachers received $2,500 each from Farmers Insurance's Thank a Teacher program at their district meeting earlier that day. He informed the board that another teacher will apply for a $100,000 grant this fall and will need community support through daily emails.
The board also was informed enrollment numbers include the smallest kindergarten class in years with fewer than 90, and the highest sixth grade in awhile at 119. And the elementary increased its population by 15 more students this year with the addition of a second pre-K classroom.
Superintendent Dwight Sanders noted the recent ranking of schools statewide by Niche.com put all three buildings in the top one-third in the state. The site offered a place for public comment, which Sanders said he was most proud of reading the complimentary remarks.
In other business, the board:
Anticipated meaningful dialogue with the city Board of Aldermen on Aug. 20 regarding the development of a Memorandum of understanding toward the creation of a school resource officer position.
Praised staff for earning the Exemplary School Bus Award, requiring more than 90 percent of buses to meet inspection.
Approved the purchase of an all-terrain vehicle for $8,000.
Approved spending up to the $25,000 budgeted to replace the 2002 passenger van, used for ag trips, golf meets and other small group travels.
Voted to pre-pay principal on the long-term bond at $300,000, saving the district nearly $19,000 in future interest.
Set the operating levy at 2.7790 and the debt service at 1.1641.
Accepted the resignation of Brenda Selby, paraprofessional.
Set the next meeting at 6 p.m. Sept. 19.