MEEKER | Last week, the Meeker School Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting at the district office with all board members present.
Following approvals, the board moved into student celebrations, recognizing Meeker Elementary School Student Council fundraising efforts and high school science teacher Sarah Powell for completing an induction program.
During public comment, fifth-grade teacher Sam Ritcher announced he will be leaving his position to join the U.S. Forest Service in Montana, where he will work in wildland fire.
“So trading out lesson plans for a tool, and with a bit of millennial optimism, I hope that someday I can go from renting to owning my own place with this job,” Ritcher said. “The decision comes from a personal place, not a professional one. I’m deeply grateful for my time here.”
Board members and staff offered praise and well-wishes.
Later in the meeting, the board approved a new writing curriculum after Superintendent Chris Selle said writing instruction has been a long-standing district need.
“We have English language arts curriculum that offers plenty of opportunities to write, but don’t really have anything that helps with a systematic approach or explicit instruction around craft of writing,” Selle said.
Following staff review and approval through district committees, the board approved the purchase of the “Step Up to Writing” program at a cost of $21,825.50 over two years. District leaders said the program will be evaluated after implementation to determine long-term needs.
The board also approved new Family and Consumer Science courses, including Intro to Baking and Intro to Food/Catering, which will now be offered for college credit.
“I think anytime we can offer college credit to kids, that’s a huge advantage,” Selle said.
In facilities updates, Selle recommended a $97,000 seal coating and striping project for district asphalt surfaces, describing it as a preventative investment that will extend the life of existing pavement. He noted the district previously worked with the contractor on crack sealing projects that were completed successfully.
“He did great work,” Selle said. “I would recommend approving that expenditure at a capital reserve.”
Board members also discussed broader capital planning, including updates to the capital reserve fund and upcoming projects such as an elementary intercom system replacement, which came in under expected bid estimates but has not yet been scheduled for installation.
Later in the meeting, the board held a discussion on water usage as officials described unusually early irrigation demands and limited water availability heading into spring.
Board member Ann Franklin said current conditions are already forcing difficult decisions about irrigation priorities.
“It doesn’t matter if we want to or not. It’s just not going to be there,” Franklin said. “We’re sweeping the water from the river right now in April for irrigation. It’s crazy. Never have we done that before.”
Board members discussed prioritizing essential areas such as athletic fields and other high-use spaces while considering reductions in nonfunctional landscaping.
Heather Sauls suggested identifying priority zones, while Franklin emphasized focusing on lower-use areas when making cuts.
Superintendent Chris Selle noted the district has already made infrastructure changes in past years that reduced reliance on ditch water systems in some areas. He added that future options could include converting grass areas to rock or native landscaping and reducing irrigation in harder-to-maintain sections.
“There are definitely places on our grounds where we could cut back,” Selle said.
Officials said any decisions would likely align with potential community water restrictions if implemented later this year.
Selle also provided a budget update, noting that final state finance figures are still pending legislative approval but could result in approximately $140,000 in additional revenue once finalized. He cautioned that uncertainty remains in enrollment trends and state funding formulas, though current projections remain consistent with previously adopted budget estimates.
The board also reviewed a first reading of updates to the district’s preschool entrance age policy. The revision maintains a general requirement that children be four years old by July 1 to enroll, with exceptions for students with identified special education needs or tuition-based enrollment options for three-year-olds.
Selle said the update helps clarify placement decisions while maintaining consistency across programs.
Before adjournment, Superintendent Selle introduced early discussion on a “Portrait of a Graduate” initiative, a student-centered framework outlining desired skills such as communication, problem-solving, and postsecondary readiness. He said the concept is intended to complement, not replace, the district’s broader strategic vision.
The meeting adjourned with the next regular work session scheduled for Monday, May 11, at 7 p.m. at the district office.
