MEEKER | The Meeker School Board of Education held its regular January meeting last week at the district office. All seven board members were present. The meeting began with student celebrations and staff recognitions.
Two students were recognized for achieving perfect attendance during the first semester. A group of staff members with perfect attendance during the same period was also highlighted. Superintendent Chris Selle emphasized the importance of attendance in a post-COVID era.
“You know, we know that perfect attendance in a post-COVID era is probably not as high of a priority for some folks,” Selle said. “But we also know that kids have to show up to be successful, so we want to recognize those kids that show up.”
Selle noted that staff with fewer than two absences during the semester were also honored.
There were no public comments during the meeting. The board moved to discuss the district advisory report, which had met earlier that day. The District Advisory Committee reviewed engagement and wellness policies but made no major changes. The committee plans to evaluate goals and bullet points before its next meeting in the fall.
The board then moved onto the Superintendent’s report during his report, Selle addressed illness throughout the district, saying the high school had been hardest hit, followed by the elementary school.
“The high school has been hit the hardest. The elementary saw some of that uptick last week, but it’s better,” Selle said. “Every time we have that type of increase in illness and kids go home sick, I think it’s about time somebody at the school gets a phone call about why we aren’t closing the schools.”
Selle explained the district’s attendance protocols, which differ between schools. Elementary attendance contracts are reviewed after 16 absences, while the middle and high schools assess attendance contracts after 12 days per semester.
“These protocols are not intended to be kind and compassionate,” Selle said. “They’re intended to send a message that kids missed a lot of school.”
The board discussed personnel matters, including closing the vacancy notice for a special education position at Barone Middle School. Current second-grade teacher Megan Hanberg was the sole applicant. Her transfer to the middle school will need board approval and would begin with the 2025–26 school year.
Selle also shared updates regarding potential elementary school vacancies.
“We don’t actually have letters yet, but Nancy Richardson has indicated that she’s planning to move, and Kathy de Vergie has indicated that she is retiring,” Selle said. “That leaves three classroom vacancies at the elementary school.”
Additionally, Meeker Elementary School Principal Michele Cheesman resigned, prompting the district to adjust leadership coverage for the remainder of the school year.
Selle explained that elementary school operations would continue as usual until Middle School Principal Katie Johnston goes on maternity leave.
“There will be 12 shifts at the elementary school per week, with coverage for 11 shifts by either Diane Ewing or myself,” Selle said.
When Johnston begins her leave, more of Ewing’s time will be shifted to the middle school, and Selle will spend additional time at the elementary school.
“We’ve tried not to overwhelm people too much with additional responsibilities,” Selle said. “Eventually, Johnston does want to kind of work back in doing some work remotely and coming to school on occasion.”
Meeker High School Principal Amy Chinn will assist at the middle school as needed.
The board concluded with a discussion about the search for the next elementary school principal, which was tabled until the February work session.
The meeting adjourned, with the next work session scheduled for Feb. 10, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the district office.