The board meeting this evening lasted for about one hour. For the student recognition portion of the program a few students and their parents and other family members were present, once these people left the audience was composed primarily of district employees. The following items were of particular interest:
1) Superintendent’s Report: Keith Tomes presented a certificate of appreciation to Doris Van Horn for serving as ROP instructor for fire safety and first responder type courses. Tomes also informed the board that the students are in the middle of standardized testing and that results may be available as early as the end of June. The superintendent also mentioned that the Local Control and Accountability Plan is being developed with help from a business advisor from the county. Additionally he mentioned that the district is working on the schedule for next year and is attempting to recruit and hire teachers to fill elementary and secondary vacancies.
2) Trona Teachers Association - Teacher Union President Randy McGirr spoke briefly to the board about the importance of good communication between the school board and the teaching staff. He mentioned that parts of the contract have not been properly adhered to and mentioned that it would be beneficial to all to follow guidelines provided by the contract. He also mentioned that a teacher at the elementary got a better job working for the Snowline Joint USD and will be making $9000 more per year there than she was paid here.
3) Doris Van Horn reported to the board that a “mock accident” event was successful and that students were attentive and that in her opinion that they learned a lot. The mock accident event was meant to impress upon students the importance of obeying traffic rules and of driving safely.
4) The hiring of a bunch of coaches, lifeguards, student summer workers, and summer school teachers was approved.
5) A large number of computers and other equipment were declared as surplus. These items can now be disposed of as appropriate. Some of the items may be sold, some given away, and the rest thrown away as refuse.
6) Trona Classified Employees Association (TCEA) - The board acknowledged recept of the “sunshine letter” from the TCEA and negotiations will commence on the following contract items: Wages, Hours, Health and Welfare, and Catastrophic Leave.
7) The approval of the 2016-17 Designation of CIF Representative to League was tabled since the board was unclear of the implications of such an approval. They requested clarification and that more information be presented to them so they can make a decision of this item next month.
NEXT BOARD MEETING: June 9, 2016