MEEKER | Meeker’s Board of Education met Monday, June 24 for a regular meeting.
The district recognized the following staff members for perfect attendance during the 2023-24 school year, having no absences during student contact days: Andi Duzik, Kathleen Kelley and Patti Merrifield. Outstanding attendance (less than two absences during student contact days) was achieved by April Allen, Megan Hanberg, Amanda Jaquez, Mike Jones, Jeanne Justice, Janet Kendall, Roberta Kinnamon, Ben Quinn, Victor Saenz, Clea Steerman, Willy Theos, Steve Tobin and Kaleyne Turner. In other staff news, Hanberg and Justice have completed the necessary work to apply for professional licenses, according to Superintendent Chris Selle.
Les Woodward has been hired as assistant custodian and for grounds maintenance. He replaces Mike Jones who has returned to the cemetery district.
The board approved hiring paraprofessionals Karen Collins, Monika Spaulding, Laura Klinzmann and Jaydyn Gallegos; and coaches James Romansky (MHS head baseball), Rebecca Steerman (MHS assistant volleyball). Resignations were accepted from Mike Jones and Kendal Bergman (MHS softball coach).
Selle said the district is still looking for a number of coaches, and added that a shortage of bus drivers — particularly route drivers — is high on the list of hiring priorities.
The summer enrichment program, or summer school, at Barone Middle School has 37 students participating.
Westlands Ranch donated $12,000 to the district to be applied equally across high school athletic programs. Selle said the donation matched the overall increase in athletic program expenses.
The board approved a number of business items, including a preliminary 2025 budget, the use of capital expenditure funds in addition to the $50K grant from the County Capital Improvement Trust Fund for lighting upgrades at Barone Middle School (not to exceed $100K), and the inclusion of a new girls’ wrestling program at the high school.
“There’s definitely sufficient interest and viable coaching candidates,” Selle said of girls’ wrestling, adding that 18 girls have expressed interest in the program. The cost of adding girls’ wrestling is expected to be about $25K with coaching staff.
Thanks to Michael Selle for attending and recording the meeting for the HT.