Odessa School Board meets

ODESSA — The Odessa School Board met at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2020, preceded by a workshop at 5:30 p.m. at which the board reviewed and discussed the district’s proposed 2020-2021 budget.

Present were board chairman Ed Deife, board members Heather Valverde, Chris Crossley, Janie Steward and Carmen Weishaar; Superintendent Dan Read; Principal Jamie Nelson and Business Manager Juli Weishaar. Also present were Bruce and Kim Todd, Justin Parr and Staci Claassen.

The board approved the consent agenda which included the minutes of the May 27 regular board meeting, payroll warrants #613017-613031 and direct deposit warrants #900007693-900007744 for $288,202.29; general fund A/P warrants #613032-613066 for $81,965.33; capital projects fund A/P warrant #613067 for $6,211.53; ASB fund A/P warrants #613068-613074 for $3,548.96 and a general fund comp tax wire transfer for $1.

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Read reported the results of the 2018-2019 annual audit, which indicated that the district was in compliance with applicable state laws, regulations and district policies. Read reported that it was the fifth successful audit and thanked Business Manager Juli Weishaar for her ongoing hard work. Read continued by informing the board of efforts to form a planning committee for the reopening of schools this fall. The plan begins with a parent/guardian survey, followed by a series of committee meetings to be held in the month of July. A reopening plan will be presented to the school board at either the July school board meeting or in early August at a special board meeting. After board approval, the plan will be submitted to OSPI for compliance consideration.

Principal’s Report

Principal Nelson reported the seniors celebrated their last day of school, June 10, with a parade through town, which was well attended by members of the community. Nelson thanked Senior Class Advisor Megan Walter for her work on organizing the event. They will be holding a formal graduation ceremony on July 18.

Nelson reported $2,000 was awarded from Lead4Change to non-profit organizations on behalf of the FBLA’s outstanding work in mentoring student leaders with their Embrace Washington campaign.

The final day of school was June 17. A volunteer group of staff and community members will have their first meeting, early next month, to begin formulating the district’s plan for reopening school next fall.

Athletic Director Report

Bruce Todd reported the WIAA released guidelines for summer sports participation. Since Lincoln County is in Phase 3, coaches can work with athletes in groups of 5-10. Those athletes can share a common piece of equipment, but they aren’t allowed to move from group to group. They also have to practice social distancing, wear masks, use hand sanitizer, come to practice dressed in workout clothes (because locker rooms are off limits) and be checked in at the start of practice by answering screening questions and having their temperature logged. The details for fall sports are still being worked on at this time.

Todd reported he has not received any applications for either the junior high volleyball or the high school boys head basketball coaching positions at this time.

Legislative Report

Read reported the legislature will likely hold a special session in mid-August to discuss the state’s budget crisis.

Facilities Report

Justin Parr reported that the materials for the community garden fence have been purchased from Ramm Hardware and the project will start soon.

Parr also reported R & R Roofing is scheduled to begin the roofing replacement project on June 29, the fireworks stand has been moved in place downtown where the FBLA will be selling fireworks, and new flooring will be installed in the art room.

Financial Report

Read presented the ASB balance sheet for May, as well as the financial activity reports for the general fund for May showing an unassigned fund balance of $1,022,636.

Superintendent Contract Addendum – 184 days

The board approved the superintendent contract addendum with a 1.6% IPD and an increase of four days from 180 days to 184 days as recommended by Chairman Deife.

Principal Contract 2020-21

The board approved the principal contract for 2020-2021 with a 1.6% IPD and a stipend for seven years of service as recommended by Chairman Deife.

Summer Special Education Services Supplemental Contract

The board approved a summer special education services supplemental contract for Lanae Carper as recommended by Read.

Next Regular Meeting

The next regular board meeting will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the high school library. The board scheduled a workshop at 5:30 p.m. before the regular meeting.