MEEKER | The Meeker School Board held its regular monthly meeting Sept. 22, with all members present. The board opened by celebrating Meeker High School sophomore Iris Holmes, who earned a perfect PSAT9 score.
Committee reports followed, beginning with the District Advisory Committee, which outlined statutory duties including budget and Unified Improvement Plan recommendations, charter school application reviews, assessment use in teacher evaluations, and input on discipline codes.
The District Leadership Team focused on professional development and curriculum planning. Superintendent Chris Selle reported positive feedback from teachers who completed ELL licensure training over the summer and said the district is looking to expand support in special education and behavioral health. Staff also recommended renewing Mental Health First Aid training and continuing to provide de-escalation strategies.
The Employee Council met later in the week to set salary and benefit priorities for 2025–26, ranking health insurance as its top concern, followed by step increases, cost-of-living adjustments, and added benefits for bus drivers and food service workers.
Principals also shared updates on a strong start to the school year. Elementary principal Shana Holliday highlighted progress in early literacy, standards-based grading training and new staff wellness committees. Barone Middle School principal Dr. Kris Atwell reported that 77% of seventh- and eighth-graders are participating in athletics, student council is forming and staff have completed safety drills and professional development. High School principal Amy Chinn said the student council is leading Homecoming activities and preparing for the fourth annual Give Back Day on Oct. 17.
Selle noted the district’s capital reserve is down to $50,000 due to recent transfers and expenses but explained reserves build up through the difference between tax collections and lower annual bond obligations. The district is permitted to collect up to $4.6 million annually in tax revenue, though actual payments are much smaller.
Near the end of the meeting, the board adopted an emergency resolution to comply with Senate Bill 25-276, also known as the “Protect Civil Rights—Immigration Status” law, which prohibits schools from sharing personal information with federal immigration authorities unless required by law. The resolution authorizes Selle, in consultation with legal counsel, to temporarily approve necessary policies and procedures until final board ratification.
The meeting adjourned with a work session scheduled for Oct. 13.