The board meeting lasted less than an hour and several community members were present. Items of special interest:
1) Community Talent Show - The actual talent show will be held on December 5th and tryouts will be held on November 19th. The talent show is sponsored by the ASB and open to all community members. Tickets are $1 in advance and $2 at the door.
2) Old Elementary Demolition - Actual demolition should begin before the end of the month and the project is expected to be complete early in January. Mr. Olney said that architects have delivered the Notice to Proceed and are currently finalizing permit-related issues.
3) School Computer Network - Mr. Olney talked a little about configuration issues being dealt with by Vector and Xerox. Additionally, he mentioned a server inventory and consolidation project. Also regarding technology he talked some about iPads at the elementary, Chromebooks at the high school, and interactive, wireless projectors for all classrooms throughout the district. On top of that he mentioned a two-day training with Apple that took place on Sunday (November 9) and Monday (November 10) in which elementary teachers participated.
4) Mr. Olney talked about Prop 39 Energy Efficiency Funds and possible projects the district will participate in along with several other districts and organizations, including Cerro Coso CC.
5) Consolidation/Modernization - Mr. Olney shared a report prepared by architects who analyzed the usage of district facilities and made recommendations based on the data they collected. Mr. Olney stressed that the recommendations made in the report were open to discussion and not some kind of mandate.
6) Community Member Comments - Two community members addressed the board. One had a question about the marquee located in front of the high school gym. She wanted to know if community organizations could use the marquee to announce events for their organizations. Another community member expressed concerns regarding the demolition of the old elementary and possible asbestos hazards.
7) Candidates for the following positions were approved: two junior high basketball coaches, one elementary secretary, and two substitute teachers.
8) Policies and Procedures - There was a first reading for the job description for Cafeteria Manager and several other board policies and administrative regulations pertaining to Uniform Complaint Procedures, Nondiscrimination/Harassment, and Sexual Harassment. Additionally, one administrative regulation pertaining to Fees and Charges was approved.
9) Next Regular Board Meeting: December 11, 2014. (Also a Special Meeting will be held November 15.)