By BARBARA PROFFITT | February 15, 2023

The USD 346 School Board met on Monday, Feb. 13 and began their meeting with the approval of the consent agenda, which includes approval of the agenda; minutes of the previous meeting; payment of bills; the memorandum of understanding with Greenbush Virtual Academy; and set the date for the March meeting at 6 p.m. on March 20.

Mark Proffitt, principal of the elementary school reported on the status of students per the assessments done last fall. 

Bob Beckham, principal at the junior high and high school reported things are going well at his building. One board member asked about recent vaping issues at the school and Beckham replied that the students and staff had all learned a great deal recently about vaping. Current policy is if a student is caught vaping on school grounds they are sent home for the remainder of the day.

Genea Bruner reported on student improvement services and programs, noting the ARC review for accreditation will take place in April.

Superintendent Shawn Thomas noted that the Governors recommendation for the education budget was a three percent increase, with a return to 92 percent funding for special education over the next five years.

Thomas then added there is a bill in the legislature currently that will increase the school year across the state to 190 days at eight hours per day and he will keep watch on that one.

Thomas reported the sound equipment had been ordered and that grant funds previously acquired by Kayla McGrew and Carla Leavitt had paid for that equipment.

The board approved the embedded credit for the STARS program students.

The board then reviewed and approved the Transportation Crisis Plan which outlines transportation policies in the event of a crisis.

Discussion turned to the resurfacing and repainting of the track and a quote received through the Greenbush Purchasing Program for $127,805 from Beynon out of Georgia. The quote includes a two-year warranty.  The board voted unanimously to approve the bid as received.

The board then reviewed a policy allowing for the storage of and training for the use of NARCAN, a substance used to help someone in an opioid overdose. The medication itself is paid for by a grant and the policy allows nurses and certain staff members to be trained in its usage. Thomas noted the SROs are already trained to use it and the board approved the policy.

Following the executive session, the board accepted the retirement intentions of John Williamson, head custodian at JES, effective at the end of this school year.

Following a second executive session, the board approved the 2023-2024 calendar.