By Sharon Snell
SUPERINTENDENT HESS AND THE BOARD HAVE PAID OFF THE SCD SCHOOL BONDS
CONGRATS TO THE GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM FOR WINNING STATE, TO SILVER CIRCUITS ROBOTICS FOR PLACING 1ST IN THE STATE AND TO HILLSIDE ELEMENTARY ARCHERY FOR PLACING SECOND IN THE STATE.
THE PARENT SURVEY ASKING FOR INPUT TO THE 4 DAY SCHOOL WEEK WAS APPROVED
**This was written before any of the current COVID-19 shutdown occurred some annotations were added after that fact.
The following is a summary of the last two Storey County School Board meetings. The most current Board Packets is available on the Storey County School District website in the dropdown menu under “Community.” Following opening routines,
Consent Items approved were paying warrants, previous Board meeting minutes, and a request for a Religious Exemption from Immunization. The Board also approved an AB 114 Incident Report required by the State Dept. of Education regarding the topic of Suicide and its Prevention. Submitted to the State on Mar. 11, 2020, the report states 3 incidents of suicidal ideation. (This must be a relatively new required report.)
Reports and Presentations
Superintendent – Supt. Todd Hess thanked the Board and the District Office staff for getting the work done to pay off SC School Bonds. He is hopeful regarding progress made in piloting a school program through SCSD for training students for opportunities at TRI.
He recognized the “109 Ladies of the Comstock” for their ongoing support of SCSD programs.
He recognized highly respected teacher, Barbara Bush, for her excellence in instruction and leadership in Storey County over 7 decades.
He reported that the Hillside archery team placed 2nd in the State, that Annika Valdez representing VCHS in skiing placed 6th in 66 skiers, and that a number of music students were selected for choral and band honors.
He stated that he and several Board members were in attendance at the VCHS Honor Roll Luncheon. Todd also reported that Esmie Hess had successfully organized a GoFundMe page to raise money for the McElhaney family as well starting a District coin drive.
In February Patrick Beckwith, principal of Gallagher Elementary, Testing Director, and Athletic Director for SCSD reported on the successes of the winter sports teams. (VCHS Girls’ Basketball are State Champs!!) Gallagher held a “Reading Week” in March. He reported that the ACT test was administered to all HS Juniors in late February and that the SBAC, the State testing instrument, would be administered after Spring Break.
In March, Brent Judy, principal of Hillside and VCMS, reported on the likely hood of limiting travel for spring sports. (We know now that these sports programs are suspended.) He was grateful for transportation available for Lockwood students allowing them to participate in after school activities.
He reported that the local Silver Circuits Robotics Team placed 1st in the State and would be fundraising to compete in Texas in April. (The 2020 competition has been canceled, but fundraising for 2021 is now the plan!) A Robotics elective class is receiving consideration. Hillside held a Reading Week, Science Night, and Talent Show. Mr. Judy commented on the value of having a social worker available through funds from the Safely Grant.
Board Members – All Board members expressed appreciation to the honorees, the meeting presenters, sports teams and coaches, music department, and office staff for their recent successes and dedication. Colleen Conley recognized Shelbie Nail for her 4-H project in Horsemanship. Dawn Miller reported that while in D.C. she was able to speak to Rep. Amodei to express concerns with public school funding bills that may be disadvantageous to districts such as Storey County.
New Business – There was a discussion about the latest attempt at a Parent Survey concerning the idea of SCSD adopting a 4 Day School Week. They voted to approve the improved survey as presented. Supt. Hess emphasized that the purpose of the survey is to gather parent/community input.
There were first readings in February (No Action) on 2 new policies. First was a Restorative Plan of Action (in cases of a removal of a student), the intention of which is to put a defined plan in place to improve opportunities for student success. The second new policy concerned the Selection and Certification of Coaches. Board Members made suggestions with regard to both the application and training elements of the policy. In March both policies were approved with clarified language.
Other policies updated and approved included the Gifted and Talented Program, Clubs and Organizations, School Activity Funds, Secondary School Grading, and Homework Policy.
The Board approved trips for Hillside 5th Graders and Gallagher 4th Graders to Great Basin Outdoor Camps and for VCMS Gifted and Talented and Leadership to attend the Six Flags Education Day. (At this time it is unclear whether these trips will take place.)
Jim Sciarani & Co. was approved as Auditor for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Audit.
A Proclamation was approved recognizing the importance of completing the 2020 Census to help ensure an accurate count for Storey County.
The next Board meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2020 at 5:30pm in the VCHS Training Room. Please check the Storey County School District website for any updates or changes.