Although the agenda for this meeting was fairly short, the meeting went on for longer than average due to prolonged discussion on a couple topics. Also there were more people in attendance than usual. The following are some of the highlights from the meeting:
1) Modernization of the High School - Although various aggressive modernization plans have been proposed, Superintendent Keith Tomes recommended that the district take a more conservative approach and proceed with modernization at a more measured pace and to investigate the possibility of the state providing matching funds to help finance such measures.
2) Technology - An offshoot from the modernization discussion was discussion of integration of technology into the classroom. A representative (Kevin Mulligan) from a company (onPoint) specializing in classroom technology was present. He proposed setting up a couple model classrooms at the high school and upgrading eight elementary classrooms immediately. The discussion was dominated by Supt. Tomes, Darik McCullar, Joseph Wolfe, and Kevin Mulligan, with additional info supplied by Alan Tsubota in response to several questions from board members.
3) Cafeteria - The board has entertained the possibility of running a self-funded cafeteria during recent meetings. Supt. Tomes reported that this would result in a loss of $120k in state and federal funds as well as loss of free food commodities. The advantage is that the district would not have to follow federal nutritional guidelines, thus freeing the cafeteria staff to create food more palatable to students.
4) Athletic Director - Kent Schmidt provided information about athletic programs to the board. A lot of what he talked about was CIF politics, but of particular interest was a possible reconfiguration of the league/division which might improve playoff prospects for Trona high school teams. He used the term “competitive equity” in discussing the blatant unfairness of local high school teams facing larger schools from outside the area and private schools which are allowed to recruit players.
5) Athletic Gear - Kent Schmidt also talked about athletic gear including pads and helmets for football as well as the equipment checkout/checkin process which coaches follow at the beginning and end of each season. Regarding helmets the topic of concussion protocols was discussed as well as the advantages of purchasing versus leasing of helmets in light of the constantly evolving anti-concussion technologies being developed.
6) Elementary - Alan Tsubota talked a little about Science Camp which will be held either at a camp near Cambria or Morro Bay.
7) High School Unsatisfactory Policy - The board expressed a desire for a consistent policy regarding the effect of citizenship grades on athletic eligibility. The proposal was that U’s can only be given when a student receives two detentions in a single class during an eligibility period and that it takes two U’s for a student to become ineligible to participate in athletic events.
8) Spring Coaching Positions - A particularly controversial decision made by the board was to reject a recommendation made by the superintendent regarding a coaching position. Obviously this could result in litigation should the person voted down decide to challenge the decision.
NEXT MEETING: March 10th