Waitsburg School Board Update

Annual Organization Meeting

-Unanimously elected Ross Ha:mann as Board Chair.

-Unanimously elected Christy House as Vice Chair.

Budget Status Report:

-Dr. Clarke reported a “relatively strong” General Fund balance of $607,974. Clarke said that in January, appropriations will use actual rather than budgeted numbers and the district will likely see an increase due to a higher actual enrollment than budgeted.

Elementary Principal Report:

-The lunch ladies transformed the cafeteria into a Candyland and Cocoa with Santa was a success.

-Elementary students will celebrate Polar Express Day on Dec. 19, and will see Homeward Bound at the Liberty Theater in Dayton in the afternoon.

-Eighteen students are receiving supplemental weekend food packages provided by the Waitsburg Resource Center. The resource center will also provide lunches and activities on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during winter break.

-Deanna Coulston spearheaded Gifts for Students. BPEO, school staff, and community members have ensured all students will have gifts for Christmas.

Secondary Principal Report:

-The grade 5-12 winter concert was cancelled due to weather but the band will play holiday songs during home basketball games.

- LEO, FFA, and FCCLA club members helped kids select and wrap gifts during Kids Night to Shop.

-The WHS band and student council were scheduled to travel to the VA hospital in Walla Walla to help serve at a veteran’s Christmas party. (This was cancelled due to weather.) Students and staff sent socks, candy canes, and letters of appreciation to the veterans.

-On Dec. 19, the FCCLA, WHS band, and NHS will entertain Booker Nursing Home residents and deliver treat bags.

Athletic Director Report:

-The only home wrestling tournament is scheduled for Jan. 10 at 6 p.m.

Transportation/Maintenance Report:

-One boiler is down due to a small electrical fire in the boiler room.

-Discussed best way to deal with snow removal on gravel parking lots. Board suggested asking if the county could clear the lot before Saturday’s home game.

Superintendent Report:

-Enrollment is “very strong” at 291.71 FTE students.

-The capital improvement bond sale is on track for funds to be in the district account on Dec. 29.

-Discussed capital improvement timeline. (See District Pirorities story Page 1)

Old Business:

-Approved 2016-2018 Board Priorities. (See District Priorities story Page 1)

New Business:

-Russ Knopp reported on the Washington State School Directors’ Association Annual Conference.

-Approved closure of the district office from Dec. 20 – Jan. 2.

-Approved resignation of Sarah Boudrieau as ASB concessions manager effective at the end of her contract. The board will advertise for the position.

-Approved resignation of Abbey Manzano as head girls’ basketball coach due to work conflicts.

-Approved hire of Roy Ramirez as head girls’ basketball coach. Ramirez is also assistant boys’ basketball coach and has been coaching the girls for the last several weeks.

- Approved dismissal of a classified district employee following an executive session discussion.

-Approved hire of Bill Jordan as Superintendent Search Consultant.