Waitsburg School Board monthly meeting

WAITBSURG—The Waitsburg School Board held its monthly meeting last Wednesday, at the Preston Hall Middle School. The Board discussed upcoming holiday plans within the school, reviewed policies, and discussed a potential levy.

Present: School Board members Ross Hamann, Christy House and Lisa Morrow, Superintendent Mark Pickel and Principal Stephanie Wooderchak. Becky Dunn (HR/Business Manager) and Linda Henze (HR/ BM assist) and Colter Mohney (Maintenance/Grounds) also attended.

ASB Report

Stephanie Wooderchak, the secondary principal, reported on behalf of the ASB. She shared positive feedback from the recent parent-teacher conferences. The conferences were spread out over all three buildings, and the few scheduling conflicts that occurred were quickly resolved. Mrs. Wooderchak shared the success of the November 8th Veteran’s Day assembly.

The Preston Hall will host a pie and hot chocolate social for middle school students, in efforts to encourage spirit building activities. The social will provide an opportunity to teach students how to serve and interact in a social setting. The middle school will have their first school dance on December 13. They will be inviting the Dayton Middle School students.

WHS Leo’s Club is partnering with the Lions Club and preparing for the annual food drive. Students will visit designated areas in town to collect food donations on December 18. On December 20, the high school will be having day-long activities ranging from reindeer games to movies. Mrs. Wooderchak also reported that an invite went out to students for the hopeful e-sports team. There are currently 18 interested students. The league starts in January.

Athletics Report

The Dayton-Waitsburg Combine had the last home football game on November 1, in Dayton. They recognized 8 senior football players and 6 senior cheerleaders. The final home volleyball game was October 24, and twenty senior volleyball players were recognized. The fall sports banquet will be held December 9.

Middle school boys basketball has begun, and girls are set to begin in January. High school basketball recently began, and the teams are strong. Roughly 19 female athletes and 26 male athletes, with an additional 15 athletes turning out for cheer.

The Dayton-Waitsburg Combine wants to hear public feedback about the combine, and they sent out a survey to parents, students and staff on November 21. Recommendations based on the feedback will be made at the December meeting.

Maintenance Report

Waitsburg Schools are still searching for bus route drivers, and they do have a couple of potential route drivers taking the steps to secure the proper licensing. Colter Mohney reported that the new lawn mower has been appreciated as they have begun fall clean up. He also reported that all needed equipment, with the exception of the field house due to football games, has been winterized. The field house is scheduled to be winterized. The HVAC system is in need of one minor repair, and they are working to get it fixed.

Superintendent’s Report

Mark Pickel, the WSD Superintendent and elementary principal, reported that the parent-teacher conferences went well. Superintendent Pickel reported that the PEO provided delicious soup for the staff during conferences, and it was very much appreciated. He reported that the upcoming winter program is coming along well. Mrs. Beasley’s students are building instruments that they will play during the program. The program will be December 19, in the high school auditorium.

Superintendent Pickel reported that the Thanksgiving Meal that was served last week was a success, with 58 guests attending. That was nearly double the guests they served last year. He thanked all the kitchen staff, as well as students from Mrs. Groom’s classes, who worked hard and made the event so much fun.

On December 20, the Polar Express will be coming to the multipurpose room. Community members have been working hard to create a detailed train for the students to experience.

Superintendent Pickel talked briefly about the recent cookie dough fundraiser. The students profited over $5,000. The average amount raised was $195. There were 6 students who each raised more than $500, with one of the students selling more than $1,200 in cookie dough and other items. The Coffee with the Superintendent event went well. They plan on hosting the next event on December 6.

The School Board ballots have been received, and there are roughly 100 ballots left to count. One seat submitted their resignation before ballots came back, and will have to resubmit their resignation after they were voted back in.

Superintendent Pickel travelled to Pasco and worked with the ESD 123 on what he called a “Levy 101” course. He will be attending the Blue Mountain Small School Consortium, where he will join more than 200 teachers, superintendents, and other school faculty. Superintendent Pickel attended the WSDA Conference, as well.

Public Comment

There was no public comment at this meeting. Board Member Christy House did share more positive feedback about the parent teacher conferences that was submitted to her.

New Business

The Waitsburg School Board recognized that there were policies that needed to be reviewed and retired. The policies were reviewed, and retired as necessary. The board will begin the steps to implement up to date policies. The school has hired two new coaches, and received the resignation of one coach.

The school is looking into the possibility of another enrichment levy. The levy would take place in February 2020, after the current levy ends. The state has revised the requirements of a levy proposal, and Superintendent Pickel and other members are working to draft a satisfactory plan. Enrichment levy’s support school programs.

The school board held an executive session, and the meeting was adjourned shortly afterwards.