Waitsburg School Board update

October 17, 2019

WAITSBURG—Ross Haman, Christy House, Lisa Morrrow, Stephanie Wooderchak, Mark Pickel were present, Randy Hinchliffe and Jason Kaehler were absent.

Secondary Principal Stephanie Wooderchak announced that Parent/Teacher conferences will take place November 6 and 7. Preston Hall and Waitsburg High School students and staff attended the Character Strong training on September 26 and 27. The curriculum helps students develop a stronger self-identity, guide them safely through personal challenges and help them to feel a sense of community in our school. The schools will begin implementing the training after Homecoming Week.

Five students recently took the PSAT test on Wednesday, October 16.

Wooderchak also discussed interest from high school students to form an E-sports league. She mentioned that they are still in the research/planning phase but have submitted paperwork to the High School Esports League (HESL) in order for Waitsburg to be recognized as being part of the league. She hopes to have a team formed and practices started for the winter season which begins January 20, 2020. High School Esports League, or HSEL, is a STEM accredited program that encourages kids at the high school level to build or join a team to play computer-based games and join carefully picked matches and tournaments. Games Waitsburg could play within the HESL controlled platform would be: CS Go, Overwatch, Rocket League, Fortnite, Hearthstone, Minecraft, and Smite.

There was no Athletic Director’s report.

Colton Mahan from the Facilities and Maintenance department reported that they have purchased a new lawnmower and are busy prepping for winter.

Elementary Principal’s report included information about their recent cookie dough fundraiser, with which they hope to raise money to support ASB enrichment activities such as past performances by the WAVA AcroKnights, and a future appearance of the Reptile Man.

Elementary staff were recently trained on iReady assessment tool which will provide a benchmark for student knowledge. They will begin the program next week.

A scarecrow-building competition is underway district wide, with the results on display in the elementary school’s multi-purpose room. The competition will be judged on October 31.

The Superintendent’s report included information about the annex building; the district is waiting for a letter about the cost of removing the lead-based paint on the building to assess whether to remove the paint or sell the building.

The district currently owns two properties on Coppei road and will contract with a real estate agent to put them up for sale in the spring.

The ‘Superintendent’s house,’ that the district owns has been vacant for a number of years, the district is working with the engineering firm Anderson/Perry to do a short plat to take it to the city for processing. Once that is done the board will review their options.

The new security system was discussed.

Board comment included Lisa Morrow remarking that the middle school is still in need of a basketball coach. Ads have been placed and public outreach has been made but the position is still open. Lisa reflected concern about her inability to communicate effectively with Athletic Director Luper.

New Business included an announcement that Director Jason Kaehler has resigned from the board as he has moved out of the district. Kaehler is a representative of District 1 and it was stated that there is a very good boundary map of the districts available through the county assessor. Kaehler’s name is on the ballot for the upcoming election, however his replacement will be selected by the Board of Directors.