Spring sports underway, recommended hires voted in

ODESSA – The Board of Directors of Odessa School District #105 met in the library and the meeting was also available via ZOOM March 24, preceded by a workshop held in the district office to discuss the budget, ESSER fund planning and the school calendar/schedule. Present were board chair Ed Deife; board members Heather Valverde, Chris Crossley and Carmen Weishaar; Superintendent Dan Read; Principal Jamie Nelson; Assistant Business Manager Staci Claassen; Operations Supervisor Justin Parr and Athletic Director Bruce Todd. Board member Janie Steward was absent.

The board approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes of the February 24, 2021 regular board meeting; payroll warrants #613559 and 613577; direct deposit warrants #900008193-900008253 for $309,377.40; general fund A/P warrants #613578-613618 for $70,473.99; ASB fund A/P warrants #613619-613629 for $5,054.17 and a general fund comp tax wire transfer for $12.44.

Superintendent’s report

Superintendent Read reported a count of 202.73 full-time equivalent students. He continued by discussing the recently state approved School Reopening Progress Report, which confirmed the district’s assurances of following health and safety requirements, in-person instructional hours, acceptable grading practices and meeting social and emotional needs.

Principal’s report

Principal Nelson reported an increase in school activities, which include sports participation, homecoming activities, a virtual science fair, filming/presenting state FBLA projects and growing plants for the FFA plant sale. Nelson also reported on how extending the school day has positively impacted the students. Student-led conferences are scheduled for the week of Mar. 29 through Apr. 2, followed by spring break April 5 through 9.

Board member reports

Carmen Weishaar expressed appreciation for the recent homecoming activities.

AD report

Bruce Todd reported that the high-school football team completed their season with a record of 5-0, and the high-school volleyball team’s record was 11-2. High-school baseball, track and golf practices have begun. The golf team already held their first tournament last week. Track meets and baseball doubleheaders are currently being scheduled.

Junior-high football and volleyball will be wrapping up their seasons this week. Sign-up sheets for junior-high track and baseball are posted in the office, with practices starting the week of Mar. 29.

Todd said that no applications had been received for junior-high head boys basketball coach and junior high assistant girls basketball coach.

Todd also reported that Phase 3 guidelines from the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association allow for more spectators at sporting events. Masks are still required.

Legislative report

Read shared information on several bills under consideration by legislators.

Facilities report

Operations Supervisor Justin Parr reported on plans to move forward with upgrades to the HVAC system controls. He also reported that all buses passed their recent inspections.

Financial report

Superintendent Read presented the ASB balance sheet for February. He further presented the Financial Activity reports for General Fund for February showing an unassigned fund balance of $936,973.93. He presented computer printouts for all funds.

Date of next regular meeting

The next regular board meeting will be held Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 6 p.m. in the high school library. The board scheduled a workshop at 5:30 p.m. before the regular meeting.

Spring sports coaching contracts

The board voted to approve the recommendation by Athletic Director Bruce Todd to hire Dillon Jahns as the high school head golf coach and to hire Travis Schuh as the junior-high assistant coach for track and field.