School starts with full complement, including ag teacher/FFA advisor

Meeting August 26 in the high school library, the school board approved the following:

• a one-year leave of absence for Jennifer Singer, a paraeducator

• the hiring of Diane Baye as the Vocational Ag teacher and FFA advisor for the 2015-2016 school year

• the transfer of Miranda Taylor from a paraeducator position to that of bus driver

• the hiring of LaMar Larmer and Michael Cronrath to share the supervisory position of the assistant athletic director in Harrington

• the hiring of Andrew Holman as the second high school assistant football coach

Superintendent Dan Read stated that 225 students, 25 above the budgeted enrollment figure of 200, were enrolled on the first day of school. Read said the two staff orientation days prior to the start of school went well and were very productive.

He informed the board that the bus schedules are still in the process of being finalized, and every effort is being made to ensure efficiency in student ride times on the buses. He concluded his report by advising the board he will update them on the district’s student test scores at the next regular meeting. The district is still awaiting some scores from the state.

In the principal’s report, Jamie Nelson stressed that due to the wildfires, air quality was being monitored daily and alternative environments for outdoor activities are in place if necessary. She said coaches discuss air quality with the athletic director and decisions regarding outdoor practices are made daily based on facts, observations and experience.

Upcoming activities reported on by Nelson included school pictures on September 1, a math night for parents offered by Larry Weber on September 9, a First Aid re-certification class for staff on September 9 and the 6th grade field trip to Camp Wooten on September 22-25.

Athletic Director Bruce Todd reported on his attendance at a WIAA athletic director workshop August 20. He also reported that fall sports practices are underway for most sports. All fall and winter sports schedules are complete and available for the public and all of the fall coaching positions are filled. The athletic co-op is still looking for a head junior-high boys basketball coach, an assistant junior-high boys basketball coach, a winter cheer advisor and a head junior-high baseball coach.

Todd said all coaches will receive training on sudden cardiac arrest and concussion awareness as mandated by WIAA. He also reported all high school and junior high athletes will be given a concussion baseline test called “sudden impact” to use in the event of possible head injuries.

Todd concluded his report by stating he had met with Larry Weber to discuss and establish a coaching plan for the upcoming school year.

Reporting on facilities, Justin Parr said the new reader board sign has arrived, and the goal is to have it installed by Fest. Parr also reported the ramp will be delivered and installed at the grandstand before the first home football game. The gym floors were refinished over the summer and the new bell/phone system has been installed with only a few minor glitches still needing attention. Due to the vendor’s issue with scheduling installation, Parr reported the new high school and junior high science room flooring will be installed over Labor Day weekend. Curbs around the facilities have been painted to signify bus lanes and no-parking zones. Parr requested that a board member volunteer to serve on the interview committee for the maintenance/transportation assistant position. Board chairman Ed Deife volunteered to sit on the committee, and Heather Valverde said she would serve as the alternate.

Operations Supervisor

Read recommended that the board approve the transfer of Justin Parr from Facilities Director to Operations Supervisor. Read explained this is a new, interim position created due to the retirement of Transportation Supervisor Keith Kolterman. The new position will combine the duties of the Facilities Director and the Transportation Supervisor. The district will hire a part-time maintenance/transportation assistant to assist Parr with maintaining the facilities, grounds and buses. Read said the interim position will be reviewed next spring to determine the future of the position.

The ending balance in the reserve fund is $690,559.

The next regular budget hearing/board meeting will be held Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the high school library. The board scheduled a board workshop at 6:30 p.m. before the regular meeting.