School district returns to normal

ODESSA- Superintendent John Bruce said he is looking forward to a sense of normalcy after the pandemic at the school board meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 24.

“The kids get to experience education as it’s supposed to be,” Bruce said.

Principal Jamie Nelson said registration is complete and thanked Linnie Largent, Kimberly Ryan and Mandy Lewis for their efficient work with the registration process.

The current head count for K-12 is 214.

Nelson said teachers are preparing for the start of the new school year.

New teacher orientation has been completed.

Mandy Lewis is training and stepping into her new role as high school secretary.

HaLee Walter completed her APT Case class in Texas.

High school football and volleyball practices have started.

ASB officers are preparing for the new school year,

“It’s time to be real” is the theme of the year.

Fundraising activities are being organized for Deutschesfest.

The board thanked Larry Weber for accepting athletic director responsibilities for the fall sports season.

Weber said he is in the process of learning what the athletic director position entails.

He said fall sports schedules are created but there might be changes.

There are currently 24 football players and 26 volleyball players.

Junior high practice started Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Facilities Manager Justin Parr was also thanked by the board for his efforts in retrieving the new Ford Transit Van.

The van was purchased using an FFA grant earlier this year.

Bruce shared the latest on the legislative news regarding House Bill 1664.

This is to increase prototypical formulas for physical, social and emotional support in schools.

He also discussed House Bill 1834 which deals with attendance concerning student excused absences for mental health reasons.

Parr said the trees along the school have been professionally trimmed.

Summer projects around the school are being finished in preparation for the start of the new school year.

Parr said he is currently working on timing the bus routes.

The new bus is scheduled to arrive in October.

Parr said he is looking into upgrading the football field lights.