RE-1 school Board meeting- Gardner Principal not renewed

by Jaye Sudar
WALSENBURG- It was one of celebrations, retirement and the ABC’s of Math. The RE-1 Board recognized Bob Barber’s 8th grade team which took first place in the state for the Colorado Stock Market Game. Barber was also recognized as Teacher of the Year for this project. The participants and Peakview School received $100 checks for their prowess in the Stock Market. Next up were Angelica Souza, Natalie Neece and Myranda Trujillo who made it to State in track. Souza and Neece set new school records in shot put and the 400m.
Entertainment for the meeting was provided by the third grade from Peakview with their power point presentation of the ABC’s of Math. The audience was warmed up with jokes and riddles and then delighted with an alphabetization of math terms set to music. A-B-C! Of course. The hand colored drawings depicting each math term were translated into a slideshow by Ms. England’s publishing class.
Eight district employees retired or resigned, between them, accounting for 161 years of service to the school district. Gifts were received by Morgan Alber, Ron Busch, Linda Jardine, Eugene Kelly, Marilyn Kelly, Tom McCray and Dorothy Martinez. The board accepted Manuel Lujan’s resignation with surprise and regret. He is leaving the district to further his education.
Patrick McDonald and George Purnell were renewed as principals for the 2011-2012 school year. Gardner principal Linda Bennett and one secretary were non-renewed in a separate action item in line with further budget cuts.
Bruce Eccher spoke to the board concerningmerging golf teams with La Veta. The board asked for a cost projection and said that they would do what they could to support the combined teams.
ADA work has begun at the high school according to Gaye Davis, now the grant writer and project manager for the district. In other job shufflings, Gary Vigil is now the district’s transportation and facilities manager and Jacque Corsentino will serve as the finance and food service director.
In other business, the board ratified the HEA Agreement, approved the contracts for the renewal of probationary and non-probationary teachers, classified staff, and the extra duty assignments for fall sports. Dorothy Martinez was approved as the Election Clerk for the November elections. There are five seats opening up on the board. The board approved the School Calendar for 2011-2012, the Communications Framework associated with the TDIP (Targeted District Improvement Plan) and a special board meeting date of May 31st, 2011.