by Ruth Stodghill
PRIMERO — The Primero School Board held its regular monthly meeting at 5 p.m. on February 23. Topics for discussion included renewing the superintendent’s contract, revising district policy regarding the senior class trip, and the status of a search for the open principal position.
IT Director Richard Garrison shared that SECOM has obtained licensing and is working to get the equipment needed to install wireless internet capabilities. The district has ordered and received a number of new servers for the district’s internet system.
Facilities Director Gerald Duran spoke with the board about a bevy of new playground equipment that is being ordered and installed on the campus, especially pieces aimed at older elementary students. The new restroom for the football/track area has been projected to arrive by the manufacturer mid-March.
Athletic Director Greg Robinson shared that the middle school girls basketball team took second in the district tournament and first in the league. The middle school boys team went 14-2 for the season, and won both the district and league tournaments. The high school girls basketball team successfully fielded a team despite low numbers, and they developed growth as players. The high school boys took first in the league, and are in the semifinals in district play.
Superintendent Blake Byall shared information about two alternatives for the school calendar for next year: both calendar options are similar, with the only difference being a one-week earlier graduation date, verus four holidays off throughout the second semester. The staff has been polled and has no strong preference between the two options. The board will decide which option to adopt at a later date.
During discussion, the board discussed the need to install additional handicapped parking spots on campus.
The board also decided to hold a special meeting on March 1 to go over their evaluation of the superintendent.
Byall informed the board that he’s had three prospective candidates for the open principal position. Two of these are continuing the process by spending more time becoming familiar with the school and district. “I’m looking for someone who is at their core a good person. Then, I can leverage their strengths and skill set for what we need to get done at the district,” said Byall.
In action items, the board passed a resolution to approve a stipend for the middle school assistant basketball coach for 75% of $1430.30, the full stipend paid to the head coach, which equals $1082.50. The board also passed a resolution to approve an expenditure in the amount of $5,805.80 to Noresco.
The board tabled a resolution to offer/not offer a contract to Superintendent Blake Byall for the 2022-2023 school year, beginning on July 1, 2022. The resolution is tabled until the March 1 special board meeting.
The board also passed a resolution to approve hiring of Vanessa Indarte as substitute teacher for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year.
Finally, the board passed the first reading of a resolution to revise Board Policy JJI Senior Class trip, removing the stipulation that the trip be held prior to graduation.
The next meeting of the board will be held on March 15 at 5 p.m.
