The meeting this evening was relatively well-attended and it lasted about an hour. There weren’t really any highlights, but there were a few items worth mentioning.
1) Closed Session - Although three items were slated for discussion during closed session, no decisions were announced during the regular session.
2) Superintendent’s Report - Supt. Keith Tomes told the board about a job fair he and Joseph Wolfe attended for the purpose of recruiting teachers in Fresno. He explained that there is a teacher shortage throughout the state. He described it as a “perfect storm” and provided the history behind the development of the current situation. He said that districts are in competition for available teachers.
3) Loma Linda Dental Group - Alan Tsubota briefed the board on a recent visit by a large group of dentists and dental technicians and the free dental work they provided for fifty-six students at the elementary. He said that forty percent of the students at the elementary received some form of treatment from this group during the days the group was here.
4) Odyssey of the Mind - Cathy Heseman provided the board with information about a student competition which took place in San Bernardino. She took a group of students to this event and another teacher (Sue Spinks) actually served as a judge at the event.
5) Financial Report - Dawn McMillan delivered the Second Interim Report to the board. She provided information about the financial state of the district, which is currently quite good. She also talked a little about enrollment numbers and provided the usual cautions against over-spending. Additionally, she mentioned that the local Swimming Pool Bond (which impacts local property tax bills) ends in 2025.
6) Public Comments: Three people addressed the board: 1) A parent talked about a bullying problem at the elementary school, 2) Doris Van Horn provided an update about Trona Care and a couple upcoming events, 3) Another parent expressed appreciation for the independent study program offered at the high school.
7) Joseph Wolfe was approved as high school principal for the 2016-2017 school year with a 5-0 vote.
8) On-Point Technology Upgrades - Approval of a contract with On-Point was tabled for discussion. The board president asked if it was necessary to go out to bid for these services. The superintendent explained that the contract had been split into parts, the implication being that each part would cost less than the amount which would necessitate going out to bid. The parts were 1) Staff Training, 2) Furniture, 3) Equipment Installation.
9) Three job descriptions were on the agenda for approval. Two were approved and one (#101 - Attendance/Counseling/Registrar Secretary) was tabled since it required negotiation with the classified union before it could be forwarded for approval.
10) Next Regular Board Meeting - April 14, 2016