By Jayden Mies
Freelance reporter
Special to the Tribune
The USD 382 Board of Education met Monday, December 9, 2024, holding their final regular meeting of the year. There, members and administration discussed the latest news in the school district as it neared the halfway point of the 2024-25 year. Board President Bill Bergner called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m..
One of the most significant motions was made in new business, where Brandon Wade, PHS Choral Teacher, presented an out-of-state trip that the program would take to Chicago. This will be a performance trip, and it is open to all choral students. After some discussion, a motion was made by Board members Jennifer Hopkins and Michelle Ferbert to approve the trip.
The board approved several personnel changes came that created vacancies in staff positions. First, longtime teacher Steve Strecker has announced his retirement from teaching science. Next was PHS Football Assistant Coach Larry Eisenhauer, who recently resigned from the position.
Additional personnel changes included:
– Bryce Stegman has resigned from his positions as PHS Science Teacher, Assistant Track Coach, and Assistant Cross Country Coach. These will become effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
– Madison Stegman has also resigned from her five positions, including LMS ELA Teacher, Assistant Volleyball and Girls’ Basketball Coach, LMS Co-Head Scholar’s Bowl Coach, and Co-Frog Shop. These will also become effective when the school year concludes.
– Brisbynne Arp has been terminated from her position as LMS/PAC Nurse Aide.
– Shelby Richards is a new hire for an Assistant LCC Teacher.
An IXL presentation was given by LMS Principal Stephanie Thompson, PHS teacher Erika Householter, and students Archer Deeds and Brycen Terryn. They talked about growth and data with IXL, and the students discussed various positives about it with board members.
Items from Maintenance Director David Inslee’s report:
– There is a new washer and dryer for the health salon at the PAC building.
– The annual fire sprinkler inspection was conducted at LMS and PHS.
– Redy Industries pumped the grease trap off in the kitchen at PHS.
– Information about the elevator repair at the PAC was given. A quote for new rollers on the first floor was discussed as well.
Superintendent Tony Helfrich’s report included:
– First was an update on the bond project. The Board talked about landscaping/fundraising, drainage projects, and a PAC Open House/Dedication.
– Site Council building tours and district parent surveys were also discussed.
– Information regarding capital outlay, a work session that was on Monday, January 6.
Items in new business:
– A motion was made by Hopkins and Ferbert that approved the C&C Energy proposal, as it was presented by Adam Travis.
– Another motion was made by Hoener-Queal and Drake to approve the early graduation request, and it was approved.
