MEEKER | The Meeker School Board held its regular monthly meeting last week at the district building, with all members present and a packed room in attendance.
The meeting began with the approval of the evening’s agenda, which included two additions: the hiring of Ted and Janet Dawson as an action item and the acceptance of a resignation letter from assistant volleyball coach Becca Steerman. The revised agenda was approved unanimously.
During the district celebrations, board members recognized the Meeker High School production of “Footloose,” which board member Ann Franklin described as “spectacular.” Board secretary Hanna Borchard also praised the high school students who presented the “Escape the Vape” campaign.
“My son came home and wouldn’t tell me who they were, so I can’t publicly acknowledge any of the students that led that, but I want the students to know that the eighth graders and below were listening and paying attention, and it was pretty great,” Borchard said. “Thank you, and I hope that we can all escape the vape going forward.”
The board then celebrated Barone Middle School’s History Day projects, nine of which—eight from the middle school and one from the high school—competed at the state competition in Denver the previous weekend. Although no projects advanced to the national level, program manager Kris Casey expressed pride in the students’ efforts.
“We don’t have any national qualifiers this year, but [we’re] still really proud of the work they did,” Casey said. “We had several board members who were judges this year, so thank you very much.”
Graduating seniors were also invited to share their post-graduation plans. Students announced they would be attending institutions such as Montana State University, Southern Utah University, Colorado Mesa University, the Air Force Academy, and Boston University, studying fields ranging from engineering and nursing to journalism and aviation. Many students reported receiving scholarships or financial aid.
Superintendent Chris Selle thanked the seniors for attending the meeting that evening.
“Oftentimes, there’s a bit of a disconnect between what the board does and what students experience,” Selle said. “But everything we do is to provide you with opportunities, and your visit brings that reality home.”
Board President Bill DeVergie echoed those sentiments, adding, “It’s always impressive—congratulations, have fun, and learn a lot.”
