During the recent school board meeting a large variety of topics are being discussed, including now live streaming the school board meetings, policy reviews, council updates and projects. Here are some key points and a summarization of what they talked about:
Live streaming:
The school board is discussing how they used to livestream the school board meetings when COVID started to make the meetings more accessible to the public. Well from now on, The school board decided that from now on, it will livestream meetings and recordings will be available under the “work section” on the website. The school board also recognized that there needs to be more participants in the live streams to prevent AI bots from joining the live stream.
Policy reviews and approvals:
The board reviewed four policies: purchasing and purchasing authority, federal procedures, and graduation exercises. The one I think that is most important and probably affects students the most will be the graduation policies and the dress code.The policy places an emphasis on the importance of students following the dress code and respecting others during graduation.
Council Updates and Coordinating Council:
Scott Sietmann, President of the Coordinating Council, mentioned the possibility of a bond or mill levy to meet the demands for staffing and salaries. Professional growth in behavior management, particularly for primary teachers, and the significance of aligning the wage schedule with educational attainment were also talked about. The calendar committee will shortly begin working on a three-year schedule.
Nature Connection Update:
The Nature Connection’s executive director gave updates on initiatives aimed at getting kids and families outside. Along with a grant application to pay a trail crew for local trail maintenance, plans are on for a preschool camp and a new low ropes course for 7th and 9th grades.
Miners Trail and Playground Update:
The Miners Trail project is progressing on schedule with the bridge and road base work well underway. Additionally, the new playground at Fairgrounds Park, themed around farm animals and designed for children of all abilities, recently held an event.
Nutritional Services Update:
Students have been getting more breakfast and lunch compared to last year. The Community Eligibility Provision allows meals for students at schools with over 50 percent eligibility for free meals. Homestead Meats donated meat for school meals and the salad bar has been a big hit with high school students. The focus is now on increasing breakfast participation.
Student Count Day and Graduation Dates:
Student count day is October 1; this is an important day for school financing calculations based on enrollment. There are, as of now, 83 fewer students in the district than there was a year ago. The proposed graduation dates for North Fork, Cedaredge, Vision Charter Academy and Delta High School are approved by the board. Vision Charter Academy will graduate on Wednesday, May 14, at 5 pm; Delta High School on Sunday, May 18 at 6 pm, Cedaredge High School on Monday, May 19 at 10 am; and North Fork High School on Monday, May 19 at 1 pm.
Construction Update:
At Delta High School, work is still happening with the auxiliary gym expected to be completed by late October.
