Audit, test reports, appeal on Colfax School Board agenda

The Colfax School District board rounded out the 2016-17 school year's meetings Monday night, addressing several matters.

Superintendent Jerry Pugh reported the conclusion of a clean audit and commented on the junior/senior high school academics awards night, in which 90 students in grades 7-12 were honored for earning a 3.75 grade-point average, or better.

“That's a third of the school,” Pugh said.

He also noted that Smarter Balance testing finished last week for Jennings Elementary students, with high school students completing theirs this week.

Chris McKeirnan then spoke to the board about an appeal process regarding the district contract for his wife, Rainey McKeirnan, vocational agriculture teacher at Colfax High School.

He stated that he wanted to appear to be sure a letter he sent to the board was received.

“I don't feel like she's been given a fair shot,” McKiernan said.

Rainey McKiernan, who started as vocational ag teacher last August, was given notice May 9 that the district would not renew her contract for the coming year.

Pugh confirmed later that an appeal process is underway.

He pointed out the administration does not comment on personnel matters.

Further items in Monday's meeting included District Business Manager Reece Jenkin filling in the board about the audit process, which cost the district $11,500 for the required check by the state auditor's office.

Colfax is audited on a two-year schedule.

The state is paid at a rate of $93 per hour.

The board will meet next on June 12.