By Sharon Snell
The meeting was called to order by President Jeff Nevin. All Board members were present. The agenda was adopted and consent items were approved: payment of warrants and minutes for July 11,2018. For Public Comment, Tia Temple, a resident of Mark Twain, remarked how she liked the new single entry system for school access and advocated for the SHARE Curriculum now in some Nevada Schools.
Board Reports Superintendent Todd Hess announced that he and auditor Jim Sciarani will meet within the week to look at the budget. Todd spoke about the new single entry system in Storey Country schools. This is a safety issue and was made possible through one of the latest grants awarded to the District. Todd commented that a key core value at the high school this year is RIGOR. There is a new STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) class offered as well as new business classes. A new College and Career Diploma will be available for qualifying students meeting specific requirements. Todd also spoke of the kindness and generosity of community members and students’ families attending the first football game against Clear Lake, a California community. Attendees learned that a Clear Lake coach’s son had a serious health issue and Virginia City “passed the hat” during halftime. $545 was gifted to the coach’s family. After the game (VC won!) volunteers offered to feed the visiting families before their long ride home. A number of visitors accepted the offer. Well done!
Other Board members reporting included Tom Thompson who enjoyed attending Back to School Night. Gary Hames said the schools looked great! He complimented Todd on the money-saving decisions made during the time he has been superintendent. Gary was also happy to see representatives from the freshman class at the meeting. Colleen Conley appreciated the Before and After School student program being offered this year at Hillside. Jeff Nevin said fall sports programs have begun and teams are working hard. Dawn Miller attended a NASB meeting and would like to see InVest on the agenda for September (will be postponed until October to gather more information). She also announced there would soon be a NASB training to help set priorities for the next legislative session.
New Business The following items were all approved after short discussions for each: Use of school buses during the Camel Races Sept. 7-9; a pilot program for a Winter Student-Athlete Family Expectations and Sportsmanship policy (basically a contract with consequences defining appropriate and inappropriate behavior at school sporting events at home or away); a policy updating District Policy Adoption Development; the NIAA Policy (Sports) for ‘18-19; a Test Security Plan for ’18-’19 and the appointment of an alternate for NASB, Tom Thompson.
There were two latter Public Comments. Jay Carmona spoke about fundraising opportunities. Tia Temple asked about making possible changes to the transportation schedule for the Early Childhood students who have a unique dismissal time.
The next School Board Meeting is September 19th at Hillside Elementary at 5pm. The current Board Packet is available on the Storey County School District website by using the drop-down menu under Community and School Board. Meeting adjourned.