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Show School Board Minutes Approved Recently approved school board minutes show that Lowell Mecham, principal at Bryce Valley School, expressed appreciation to the board and the superintendent for permitting him to obtain his administrative certificate while filling the principal position. He also made several reports on successful programs being used at Bryce Valley. Mecham read to the board the recommendations of the Bryce Valley Reform Committee on building improvements. The board recommended reactivation of the Bryce Valley Educational Reform Committee to submit to the school board additional recommendations on Bryce Valley building needs. Board member, Margaret Shakespear, asked a question about a change in pay procedure for classified employees. Superintendent Henry Jolley explained that some supervision problems exist. He said those involved will be paid ; for the actual hours worked rather than for a set number of hours. Mrs. Shakespear asked about the payment to Tropic Town for the firehouse the school district agreed to purchase. Jolley informed the board that he will work with Tropic T TOwri'in writing' the purchase agreement. When the agreement is completed, payment will be made, he said. Tracy Dallison, chairman of the Escalante Educational Reform Committee, read a letter from the Escalante PTA, Escalante High School Faculty, Escalante Elementary Faculty and Escalante Educational Reform Committee setting forth their support of the proposed $2 million bond which was passed Sept. 18. Mrs. Dallison asked the board to purchase the land for the proposed Escalante High School. Board President Carl Hatch explained that the land had been appraised approximately a year ago and a new appraisel would be necessary. He said the board will proceed as soon as possible. Supt. Jolley asked if the majority of the Escalante community is in favor of the plan to exchange campuses and build a new high school attached to the elementary site. Board member, Quay Simons, said he felt the board should go ahead with the proposed feasibility study and then present the facts to the community so residents can make an intelligent decision. The board agreed unanimously to proceed to purchase the land around the Escalante Elementary for future building needs. Supt. Jolley presented a letter of resignation from Clifford Mathews . and recommended that the board accept the resignation. The board accepted the resignation unanimously. Jolley recommended that the board approve the employment of Layne LeFevre as a teacher at the Bryce Valley School. Board members gave unanimous approval. The superintendent recommended that Pat Marvell be approved as a teacher at Panguitch Elementary School. The board responded with a unanimous vote. Jolley explained the reassignment of special education teachers and the elimination of aides at Panguitch High and Middle Schools. Due to the reorganization, he recommended that the board approve Carrie Raisanen as a part-time teacher at Panguitch High School and as the girls' volleyball and .basketball coach. Mrs. Shakespear expressed concern about non-PE majors coaching sports. Superintendent Jolley said he left the coaching assignment up to the principal, who has confidence in Mrs. Raisanen as a girls' coach. The board approved the superintendent's recommendation unanimously. Jolley pointed out that enrollment is up from last year by approximately 20 students. Members of the school board decided that Garfield County School District automobiles will be used for school district business only and the most advantageous route to and from school district business will be used. The board accepted the bid by Jerry's Red-E-Mix to deliver coal at $52.25 in Panguitch, $55.75 in Bryce Valley, $56.75 in Escalante and $58.50 in Antimony. The board accepted the bid of Peterson Oil to deliver gasoline to Panguitch at $.869, Bryce Valley at $.869, Escalante at $.919 and Antimony at $.869. Mrs. Shakespear asked why the school district did not bid on school supplies. Superintendent Jolley explained that it is difficult to bid supplies because so'many different supplies are purchased from so many different vendors. The district does purchase state bid items through the regional service centers. He said the state is working to make the bulk purchase of items more efficient. The superintendent presented to the board a copy of a regional forest management plan. He explained that he had expressed his views to the forest people to keep the timber industry solvent over a long range period. Jolley outlined to the board the schedule for follow-up inservice with the tele-teachers and tele-teaching assistants. He said he feels the tele-teaching program is progressing well. Mr. Simons explained that some things had happened in the program to make students withhold questions. Jolley stated that he would look into the complaint. The superintendent asked approval from the board to purchase 10 to 15 PC 16 bit processing computers at approximately $2,000 per station. Jerry LeFevre asked if the school district had considered renting computers. Supt. Jolley said he felt leasing would be more expensive than purchasing. Board member Sam Allen explained that car leasing is more expensive than a purchase. The board approved the purchase. Jolley then asked the board for approval to spend approximately $25,000 to put a new PVC roof on an additional portion of the Bryce Valley School. Hatch asked if the roof put on last year had proved satisfactory. He was told that it had, and the board approved the roof. Mike Hopkins, Ticaboo School principal, requested that the district move a shower trailer owned by Plateau Resources to the school for use by the students at Ticaboo. The board gave its approval. Board members expressed some concern about the Assertive Discipline Program and the achievement of the students in certain grades. They said they felt pressure should be put to those teachers who are not progressing their students. Hatch expressed concern about the small number of honor students at Panguitch High School. It was suggested that more emphasis be placed on an honors program. Supt. Jolley said he felt the Sterling Scholars Program will fulfill the needs of an honors program. Other programs are available and he will encourage honors programs within the schools. Hatch suggested recognition of honor students with special programs. Hatch reported that he and Supt. Jolley had attended a legislative meeting and each board member will be mailed a copy of the proceedings. He also reported on the excellent Sterling Scholars Program. |