WI-FI HAS BEEN INSTALLED ON ALL THE SCHOOL BUSES
BRENT JUDY IS THE NEW PRINCIPAL OF HILLSIDE AND VC MIDDLE SCHOOLS
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT IS SET FOR GALLAGHER, VCMS AND VCHS FOR AUGUST 15 AT 5:30.
THE HILLSIDE BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT IS AUGUST 28 AT 5:30
By Sharon Snell
As always, the complete Board Packet is available on the Storey County School District website in the dropdown menu under “Community.” Following opening routines, Consent Items approved included paying warrants, the most recent Class Size Reduction Quarterly Report, and Board minutes for both May 23 and June 6, 2019.
Reports and Presentations
The following is a summary of reports and presentations for both the June and July meetings. Supt. Hess reported WiFi had been installed in all school buses and that a new activity bus will arrive this summer to replace the old one. He also spoke of his continuing concern regarding the newest funding formula for Nevada public schools recently passed in the legislature. This piece of legislation may prove harmful to rural districts like Storey County in the future and he is hopeful for some changes. Greg Hess gave a legislative update presentation. Dawn Miller highlighted several positive outcomes for public schools: more money per pupil, a pre-school bill, and a fixed background checks bill.
Supt. Hess also made several announcements. Mr. Brent Judy has been hired as Principal for Hillside and VC Middle School. Connie Small, valued custodian will retire in September. There are a staggering 96 maintenance projects planned for the summer! Some students have been on hand to help. Back-to-School Nights are scheduled for Gallagher, VCMS, and VCHS on August 15th at 5:30pm. Hillside will hold its Back-to-School Night on August 28th at 5:30pm. A Booster Club Meeting will be held at the high school on Aug. 15th at 7:30. Supt. Hess thanked Booster Club volunteers for their dedicated support and hard work shown over many years.
Board Members expressed appreciation to students and staff for the excellent graduation ceremonies for kindergarten, fifth, eighth, and VC seniors. Coleen Conley reported that Hillside will be getting a basketball court through a donation and that the community is hopeful that a giant “L” will soon be placed on the hillside.
A Census Bureau representative gave a presentation explaining the importance of the census for public schools.
Dan Slentz gave a presentation regarding Oasis Online, the tech company working with the District. Oasis Online is held in high regard for its service.
New Business (Motions approved in June and July primarily involve continuing or updating contracts/policies)
Approved *Renewal and Payment for Proposal from Nevada Public Agency Insurance Pool
*Augmented Budget for 2019 and Final Budget for 2019-2020
*Resolution to Support “Fund Our Future” (presentation made at the May Board Meeting)
*Motion to choose a school best suited for SCSD students interested in Distance Learning Education Application
*Retain Allison & MacKenzie, LTD as legal counsel (Hames abstained stating possible conflict of interest)
*Use of school buses for Camel Races Sept. 6-8
*Indebtedness Report
*Updated policy regarding Random Drug Testing of Students
Discussion and possible action concerning the Superintendent’s Evaluation and Contract were postponed due to the unavailability of consultant Jim Huge.
In Public Comment Sam Toll made a comment regarding the frequency of backup for District technology and that he would suggest sooner.
The next Board Meeting is scheduled for Aug. 14th at 5:30pm in the High School Training Room.