For long-term planning, large-scale pool renovations were discussed in conjunction with the district’s current debt obligations and long term debt capacity.
With changing leadership in both the maintenance and superintendent positions, the board discussed different options for working with a construction management company to better plan for and execute the necessary capital project needs for the 10 to 20-year horizon.
Also at the work session, technology director Kris Aschbrenner presented on recent technology improvements, including using stimulus money to purchase new chromebooks, a laser engraving machine to better track chromebook chargers, and an updated firewall. He also spoke of the upcoming installation of a new PA system, and future needs which include projector upgrades, new wireless access points, and a whole-scale rewiring of the campus.
When the regular board meeting convened, Zylstra further discussed the band and choir room renovations. He noted the benefits of the HVAC project from this summer in the overall climate of the building.
Zylstra was given permission by the board to advertise publicly for bids for the band/choir room renovations as discussed in the work session.
The superintendent reported the districts’ financial and back-end processes have been running on the new financial software for a full calendar year. It made processing the year-end reports much simpler and cleaner for office staff.
He also reported the district is exploring adding an additional pathway to the high school for graphic design. An existing staff member can become certified in this pathway, which would include extra funding for students who participated in this class. The high school guidance counselor, Marci Kenney, is gauging student interest and other staff are researching acquiring the necessary equipment to begin the program.
Personnel
The board approved the resignation of maintenance director David Allen, as presented.
Approval was given to the transfer of Jamie Fritz as maintenance director, as presented.
The board voted to approve the following employments as presented:
- Cameron Owens - MS Assistant Wrestling Coach
- Nathan Williams - Assistant Director of Maintenance
Leave requests were approved for the following:
- Kenley Newbauer - Maternity leave
- Sally Smidler - Personal
- Marci Kennedy - Personal
- Haley Tapper - Maternity leave
- Rebecca Reed - Personal
- Jennifer Mellon - Personal
The leave requests were approved after discussion. There was significant reservation from the board in approving some leaves, as personal leave requests from staff members have increased over the last several years. In light of the difficulty of finding substitutes and the benefits of having a certified and trained teacher in front of students as often as possible, the board and administration will be exercising greater scrutiny over future requests.
The board approved the field trip request as presented from Angie Radtke for the senior trip to Florida.
Additional items
Approval was given to the Sunday performance request for Cabaret on May 1.
Zylstra presented the first reading of updates for the Board Policy Manual. The updates clean up language regarding non-certified vacation allotments, insurance contributions, and contractual days.
The board approved the updates to West Central’s “Return to In-Person Learning Plan,” as presented. The plan includes a five-day quarantine for students who are close contacts of a COVID positive person if they are willing to wear a mask for the subsequent five school days.
Principal reports
Elementary Principal Mike Carlson reported that it seemed like January went by quickly with a few virtual and E Learning days. Elementary attendance and participation on those days were just a bit lower than normal attendance rates. He thanked parents, students, and staff for making the most of those days. They were also able to hold conferences and committee meetings virtually.
The elementary students and staff enjoyed a convocation Feb. 9 with Christopher Tyler from Zonda Dance. The students got up moving and danced with the theme of building confidence, and everyone had a great time.
Carlson thanked the Student Council for contributing funds to this, and also PTC which provided staff with a great lunch on Monday.
Middle/High School Principal Angie Radtke stated that with six e-learning days since Christmas Break, time has been flying.
Mrs. Kennedy has been busy finishing up the WIDA testing and making preparations for the SAT in March.
Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Radtke have been running the Catch Up Café during lunch to get students caught up on their missing assignments.
The choir students participated in solo and ensemble. Aiden Conley and Faith Hooper both received silver, and Skye Witham and Kylea Bailey both earned gold.
The girls basketball team, while with fewer players this year, finished their season with a better record. The future looks bright for Lady Trojan Basketball. The boys team has also been having some success, and for those who haven’t been able to make it out to a game, Mrs. Radtke highly suggests it. In addition to Trojan Basketball providing excitement, the band is second to none. They are small in number, but they are “mighty!” The school has received many compliments from visiting fans about the band.
Trace McIlvain, Drake Fritz, Hayden Fritz, Jacob Pilarksi, Zach Gilger, Buzz Beiswanger, and Nate Davis all made it to Regionals for wrestling. Hayden Fritz finished second in the 132-pound weight class, and Drake Fritz was the 126-pound weight class Regional Champion. There will be a pep session Feb. 11 to recognize the whole wrestling team and to wish Drake and Hayden good luck at Semi-State.
Executive Session
The school board met in an executive session following the regular board meeting.
The executive session was held in accordance with state law “to discuss a job performance evaluation of individual employee(s), apart from the budget process.”
