MEEKER | High utility bills are taking a bite of out our budgets both personal and institutional. The Meeker School District reported nearly $33,000 in utility bills for February; approximately $17K was for natural gas and another $15K for electricity. Superintendent Chris Selle said he’s planning to review possible ways to reduce those costs over the summer break, but there’s not much that can be done right now. A long, cold winter hasn’t helped.
The board congratulated Meeker High School senior Kate Lockwood, who has been awarded a Boettcher Scholarship. According to the Boettcher website, about 100 Colorado finalists are selected from about 1,500 applicants each years. Of those 100, 50 Colorado high school seniors are awarded the four-year scholarships.
Meeker Elementary School recognized 10 students for perfect attendance during the third quarter.
Meeker High School Principal Amy Chinn said the Certified Nursing Assistant program is returning in conjunction with Pioneers Medical Center (PMC).
“Amy Peck has worked tirelessly with us to start a CNA program,” Chinn said. Peck is chief nursing officer at PMC. Classes will be at the high school on Fridays, Saturdays and weeknights and are open to students 16 and older. PMC is coordinating work-based learning opportunities, as well.
The school board accepted retirement letters from Heather Burke and Virginia Pugh, both elementary school teachers, and approved Nate Lee as a new teacher for Barone Middle School. Lee currently teaches in Rawlins, Wyoming, and has a background in middle school instruction and curriculum. Kaleyne Turner will transfer from the special education program to literacy coach, and the board approved a stipend for middle school teacher Kris Casey who is also acting as Barone Middle School athletic director.
Selle said there are five vacancies currently at Meeker Elementary School, with two more possible; and the middle school/high school band and choir position remains unfilled. Starting teacher salaries for the district are lower than surrounding areas of similar size, and Selle asked the board to review the teacher pay scale before the April board meeting.
Following up on a previous discussion, Board President Kevin Amack proposed adding a stipend for Selle, who is serving as both superintendent and interim elementary school principal “to acknowledge a job well done.” The stipend would equate to 20% of the superintendent salary — $26,583. After discussion, the board voted in favor of the stipend, with Dr. Bob Dorsett the only opposing vote. Dorsett explained that his reservations were not with Selle’s performance, but with public perception and fairness to other staff.
The board also approved spending on necessary, planned projects that are less than $20K, up to $100K total, from a capital reserve fund. Projects mentioned include carpet replacement, HVAC work and replacement of a fire hydrant at the middle school, and addressing a snow melt leak into the principal’s office at the high school. Chinn said they’ve been in discussion with the contractor about the leak.
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
