This board meeting lasted slightly over two hours. There were several community members, school employees, and students in attendance. Highlights as follows:
1) Small School District Conference - Several board members and the superintendent said that they enjoyed this conference which was held in Sacramento. They mentioned that they were able to share information with people representing other small school districts throughout the state, including a few nearby school districts.
2) TTA - Local chapter president mentioned a makerspace arcade held at the elementary and noted that it was very successful. Students designed arcade games using cardboard and other available materials.
3) TCEA Sunshine letter - Negotiations between the district and the classified union have officially begun.
4) Maintenance Summer Projects - Head of maintenance listed nearly two dozen summer projects under consideration including new furniture for classrooms, updated phone system, repairing concrete and water lines, installation of security cameras, installation of lockers at the high school, roof repairs, and a few other items.
5) Sports Eligibility - Currently students are eligible to participate in sports as long as they maintain a 2.0 GPA. Under consideration is a provision that would require that they also not have any F grades. This is a concern due to the large number of students failing math classes at the current time.
6) WASC and CTE - Career Technical Education was a focus of the last WASC report. The high school principal outlined courses under consideration including welding, construction, culinary arts, and computers and technology vocations.
7) Student Store Presentation - A student reported on progress being made in the development of the student store.
8) Public Comments: a) former coach talked about past experiences and hope for the future, b) Lana McCullar requested that the district provide information to facilitate the development of the community park, c) Kim Bayes said good things about the Bite of Reality event recently held in Ridgecrest.
9) Several summer workers and lifeguards approved.
10) Senior Trip - Funding issues have made it difficult for seniors to finalize plans. The board asked them to complete their planning in order to get trip approval.
11) Royalties Ad Hoc Committee - Board Member Heseman suggested that a committee be formed to lobby representatives regarding potash royalties. Periodically bills are submitted that would reduce the amount of royalty revenue received by the district. The most recent one lapsed before it could be voted upon. However, it is likely that a similar bill may be introduced in the future and this committee would attempt to lobby against the passage of such a bill.
12) Freshman overnight trip denied. It was suggested that day trips to visit colleges and universities in the area would be adequate.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: May 9th