January 2015 School Board Meeting Minutes

Wayne School District held its monthly meeting on January 6, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. 

New Board Members Cory Anderson and Curtis Whipple were sworn in and began their service on the board.  Minutes and financial statements were discussed and approved.

There was one citizen comment.  Mary Bray informed the Board that Preston Stephenson was wrestling at this time in the prestigious State All-star Wrestling Tournament.  This is an honor in which only a few students across the state are able to participate.  The Board wished him well.

Superintendent Torgerson shared the following information items:

1.  Clarification on the date and time of the work meetings scheduled for Jan. 22.  The Audit committee will meet with the Auditor at 3:30 and the full Board will meet at 4:30.  Following the Audit meeting, a discussion will be held to discuss future facilities, needs, and priorities.

2.  Finalized plans for the State and National Board conventions

3.  Preliminary discussion on a facilities upgrade and future priorities

4.  There was discussion on the proposed 2015-2016 District calendar.  Mary Bray expressed concerns with the Concurrent Enrollment calendar being different than the District calendar.  More discussion will be held to see if the problem can be helped.

5.  Loa Elementary was recognized for high achievement as a Title I Honor School because of their high SAGE scores.

Business items included:

1.  A motion was passed to begin Board Meetings with prayer.

2.  Supt. Torgerson shared more information about the district report card, and commended school personnel for their work in getting a “B grade” in all schools.

3.  Farrah Pace was hired as a part time custodian at the High School.

4.  Policies CBD, CBF, & CBG, were approved for second reading.  These policies deal with procurement requirements.

5.  The 2014 audit report was approved.

6.  Brenda Wood’s letter of resignation was approved with her retirement date of March 13.  The Superintendent and Board expressed sadness in her retirement, but also praised her and expressed appreciation for the many years of service she has given to the District.

Board Member items included:

1.  A request for clarification from the Superintendent about the new teacher/principal evaluation.  The Superintendent outlined the three major components of the evaluation, and requested an opportunity to share it more in depth as a specific information item in another Board meeting.

2.  House keeping details for more timely information in Board packets, and using more technology in communication between the district office and Board Members were requested.

3.  There was a short discussion about trying to provide more teacher specific professional development in technology.  This will be a topic of discussion in the upcoming work and budget meetings.

4.  There were concerns with poor surfacing around the WMS gym, and a request to work on trying to repair some of the problems now and also a more permanent solution in the future.   

***An executive session was held to discuss personnel.