STOREY COUNTY SCHOOLS ARE PERFORMING AT OR ABOVE STATE STANDARDS! CONGRATS TO THE STAFF AND STUDENTS

THE GILMAN TRUST GRANT KEEPS THE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS AT HILLSIDE ELEMENTARY GOING

BRENT JUDY IS THE NEW VC MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HILLSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL..CONGRATULATIONS!

THE BOARD APPROVED $167,000 SALARY FOR SUPERINTENDENT HESS RETROACTIVE TO JULY 1, 2019.

By Sharon Snell

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, minutes for the July 10, 2019, Board Meeting, and an Octoberfest Fundraiser at Pipers on Oct. 11^th.

Reports

Supt. Todd Hess reported several pieces of good news. He’s learned that all SCSD schools received either 3 or 4 stars for the State Star Rating system based on state tests taken by students in the spring of 2019. That means 100% of Storey County schools perform at or above state standards. The State also reported big decreases in student absences in both Storey and Lincoln counties. Congratulations to the students and all certificated and classified staff who help make these successes possible!

Nevada School Superintendents recently gathered in Reno and Todd hosted them on a requested tour of TRIC. They were duly impressed with what they saw. On the subject of Grants, Todd stated his appreciation for the District’s Grant writing team who continues to be successful in securing funding support for SCSD programs. The successful After School Program at Hillside will be able to continue for its second-year thanks to funding from the Gilman Trust. Fall sports are in full swing with middle school boys’ basketball and high school football along with girls’ volleyball.

Todd introduced Brent Judy, the new principal of VC Middle School and Hillside Elementary School. As a member of the newly appointed District Safety Development Committee, he reported on some innovative ideas for improving school safety. There will be a focus on Prevention over Mediation. A program called “Second Step” will address social-emotional education. A new upgraded camera system is expected to be piloted at Hillside. He also spoke of “Push” notices for Emergency Response.

Individual Board members echoed appreciation for the school successes regarding the Star Ratings, the hard work from the Grant writing team, and to Brent Judy for his leadership on the Safely Committee. Gary Hames wanted to especially thank counselor, Caren Baum, for her work with juniors and seniors on test preparation.

New Business

The Board approved a request to refinance School District Bonds in order to obtain a lower interest rate and achieve a projected savings of $80,000. The refinancing will not extend the Bond obligation.

Consultant Jim Huge led a discussion concerning comparative data related to Nevada Superintendent salaries. He stated that with the successes in student achievement, Grant funding and open communication, he would recommend to the Board a new contract of $167,500 for Supt. Hess with the same fringe benefits and a modest increase to the transportation allowance. The Board approved the recommendation retroactive to July 1, 2019.

Also approved were new contracts for both Certificated and Classified Staff. In each of the next 2 school years, both groups will receive a 2% increase in salary and a 1.25% PERS increase. (This is the first staff wage and benefit increase in 2-3 years! My opinion? Well deserved!)

Minor revisions and updated language changes were approved to a number of District Policies: General Organization; Belief Statement; Organization of Board of Trustees; Board of Trustees Accountability; Powers and Duties of Board of Trustees and Officers; and Attorney for the District. If you are personally interested in what the specifics of any of these policies are, please see the Board Packet for Sept. 18.

The next Board Meeting is scheduled for Oct. 16, 2019, at 5:30pm at the VC High School Training Room. Dawn Miller requested an update on the concept of a 4 day school week be on the October agenda.