A few community members were in attendance in addition to board members and school employees. The meeting lasted about an hour. Highlights as follows:
1) Student Report and Board Member Comments: Several announcements made pertaining to Gem and Mineral Show (October 13 & 14) and Homecoming (October 19 & 20). Student projects will be on display at the Gem and Mineral Show. Also some kind of fundraising activity will occur in association with the Gem and Mineral Show. There will also be a pancake breakfast event for Homecoming.
2) Trona Teachers Association Report: a) Recommendation made that district purchase a satellite signalling device for use on outings into areas without cell service. There were issues with a recent school sponsored event and such a device would have allevaited some worries on the part of parents. b) Assertion made that there is a difference between a substitute teacher and a non-permanent employee acting as a teacher of record. c) Assistant coaches - Suggestion that it might be a good idea to hire at least one assistant coach for all sports. d) Insurance issues - Informed board of two glitches involving health benefits provided to teachers. e) Comments regarding proposed Memorandums of Understanding.
3) Superintendent’s Report: a) Talked a little about T-painting. In the past flares were used, but the switch has been made to LED lights which last 24 hours. Also talked a little about upgrades made to the elementary library and the new makerspace room at the elementary.
4) Maintenance Report: New weight room equipment installed. Old equipment to be declared as surplus. Summer projects mostly complete except for a few small items arriving late. Upgraded gates for high school and elementary being installed.
5) Park Location - Head of maintenance presented to the board a map showing different options for portions of property owned by school district which could be used for a community park. He and the superintendent explained that it is important to define the exact location and size of the parcel so that a proper legal agreement can be created. Also a teacher suggested that a skate park might be a good feature to include as part of the park.
6) Revolving Cash Fund - Increased from $3K to $10K. There was some discussion as to why this was necessary and how the fund is monitored to ensure that there is full accountability for district funds.
7) PUBLIC HEARING TEXTBOOKS - A complaint was made regarding a lack of books available for students to take home. A parent explained that her son was adversly impacted when a teacher refused to send a textbook home so her child could complete work during an absence. There was a fair amount of outrage expressed by the board over this situation. Approval of the relevant resolution was tabled until problems with textbook availability are properly dealt with.
8) High School and Elementary Gates - Approval for payment for installation. At this point the gates have been fabricated and they will soon be installed.
9) EPICENTER - Approval of purchase of software to help monitor charter school sponsored by district. Funds to pay for the software will come from monies received from charter school.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: November 08, 2018