California R-1 School Board members were torn between saying "congratulations" and "goodbye" to established teams, students and figures in the district.
During the school board's June 8 meeting, members honored two of the district's high school sports teams for their achievements during the summer season. The board recognized the California Pinto baseball team for winning its first district championship in 29 years and the Men's golf team for winning the Class 2 Missouri Golf State Championship in Columbia.
Board President Derek VanLoo presented California High School student Zach Rissler with his diploma. Rissler presented his future plans to the board for life after graduation and thanked the school and his parents for helping him get through school.
The board also thanked three individuals who are leaving the district, California High School Principal Sean Kirksey, California Elementary School Principal Gary Baker and Director of Special Programs Julie Bird.
In other action:
The board voted to keep the Central Bank depository bid for the 2022-2023 school year.
Members approved an agreement to continue working with Meadors Vision Consulting, LLC for children involved with the Special Learning Center through June.
Members announced they plan to do a trial run for the new elementary school parking lot. The board will evaluate how the drop off and pick up process will go during summer school. Afterward, the district will get in contact with a contractor to strip the area for use during 2022-2023 school year.
The board accepted seven new hires to the school district - evening custodian Josh Ecton, paraprofessional Bridgette Barlow, high school football assitant coaches Tagen Higgins and Richard Matzes, middle school head football coach Patrick Truman, high school cheerleading coach Mikaela Bishop and middle school cheerleading coach Paige Miller.
The board accepted six letters of resignation - middle school track coach Danielle Morrow, high school xheerleading coach Annette Forsythe, paraprofessional Kelsey Blank, full-time substitute teacher Rebecca Eichelberger, softball and baseball assistant coach Kevin Bishop and elementary school principal Gary Baker.
Democrat photo/Kaden Quinn: California R-I School Board members stand with the California Pintos Golf team in honor of their State Championship win.
Democrat photo/Kaden Quinn: California R-I School Board President Derek VanLoo awards California High School student Zach Rissler with his diploma.