Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
The Colfax school board covered a range of topics, including a move out of Camp Grizzly for this year's sixth-grade trip, at its first regular meeting of the school year Monday night.
Superintendent Jerry Pugh opened with a “Say Something Positive” comment about how the district handled the air quality issues last week.
“I can't say enough about the professionalism of the staff,” he said.
He mentioned the success of Colfax FFA kids in a record-setting pig entry year at the fair and how new fencing at the south end of the football field “worked beautifully” at the first home game.
“Overall, a great, positive start to the school year,” Pugh said.
He then informed the board of the resignation of Carrie Phillips, a part- time para-educator, who will continue to drive a bus for the district. They will now seek her replacement.
In the Accounts Payable section of the agenda, board member Terry Huber asked about a large solid waste pile cleaned up behind the bus barn this summer. The district rented two 20-yard dumpsters from Empire Disposal. Huber then asked about a $6,500 cost to re-key the elementary school.
Pugh said the key change will be “more efficient” in that the district can track keys more easily with teachers now only assigned one key.
After the board approved the fiscal report, Pugh reported on the district's Highly Capable Program for qualified students who show potential to perform at higher academic levels than their peers. These 12 current students in the district receive special curriculum and instruction within regular classes.
“Really proud of our progress,” said the superintendent. “We still have work to do... We are making great strides for kids to expand their regular learning.”
The board approved the program for another year.
The ASB representative Kylie Kackman, a junior, reported on the fall musical “Annie” tryouts, FFA donut sales at the opening football game and fair sheep and beef high marks from Sydney Berquist, Perry Emmel and Kyle Appel, along with a Colfax sweep of fair royalty with Queen Sara Whelchel and princesses Abbie Miller and Emma Neu.
Kackman also noted rush week was on at the high school for FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) to promote new membership.
Jennings Elementary Principal Travis Howell filled in the board on the decision to move the sixth-grade annual fall trip from Camp Grizzly near Laird Park in Idaho to Camp Wooten on the Tucannon River in the Blue Mountains. One main difference will be cabins for accommodations instead of tents.
The wildfire near Laird Park next to Camp Grizzly and subsequent air quality led to the decision .
Pugh introduced policies for the board to review, including Procedure Alternative Learning Experience Courses. The superintendent noted that the district has no alternative schools but suggested that the board consider the policy for the future.
“It's probably prudent to have this,” Pugh said. “To put it in our policy if we (eventually) have the program.”
Also introduced for the board to consider was Disability History Month, for which both schools are making plans for October.
Pugh then asked board members of their progress reading a book, “Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box. ” He gave copies at the start of the year to each paid employee of the district. Author is Arbinger Institute.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
Reader Comments(0)