School Board Meeting Addresses Personnel, Twitter Bullying

The regularly scheduled school board meeting was held at the Glasgow Middle School Wednesday, Nov. 18. Trustees present were Chairperson Alison Molvig, Mona Amundson, Suzanne Billingsley, and John Dagget. Absent was trustee Nickolas Dirkes.

On behalf of the GEA, Laurie Enebo gave a brief report, discussing American Education Week and some staff recognition.

School principals Shawnda Zahara-Harris, Rachel Erickson, and Mike Zoanni, along with activity director/vice principal Brenner Flaten were also present and reported on happenings at their schools.

Erickson briefed the panel on the recent art show at Irle School and Halloween happenings. The school participated in a “drug free week” and students were able to observe the drug dog and its talents.

Zoanni discussed the Middle School’s recent community service project. The students whoparticipated helped rake 23 yards in Glasgow. Zoanni explained that there were some powerful reactions from the residents who benefited from the service and the students were able to see the positive reactions. Zoanni further explained that they are working on character traits at the school and recognition of students by staff.

Zahara-Harris shared information with the panel about previous and upcoming inoculation clinics to get the high school in compliance with new immunization regulations. She reported that two classes along with the high school band, attended and participated in the Veterans Day service at the Civic Center. Also, in first quarter of school, 14 attendance letters were sent out to parents. Zahara-Harris explained that attendance letters are sent when a student is absent seven or more days without a doctor’s note. Of the 14 letters sent, the school had two parents respond.

Flaten reviewed upcoming events with the group and notified them of a schedule change for the speech and drama meet that was going to be held in Glasgow on Nov. 21. Due to a scheduling conflict one of the other schools had, Glasgow agreed to host their meet on Jan. 9. Flaten also discussed plans to continue highlighting drug free students by printing and distributing posters. This project is funded by a grant secured by the Glasgow Police Department.

All principals reported on the parent-teacher conferences held and reported great participation. Zoanni reported a 74 percent turnout at the middle school this year.

Student Council representative, Luke Breigenzer, gave a report on previous and upcoming STUCO events. The haunted hayride and the Veterans Day breakfast were both successful and well attended. Right now, STUCO members are selling bulbs for their annual remembrance tree service and soon will be helping with the preparation and serving of the annual Thanksgiving Day dinner at the Senior Citizen Center.

School Superintendent Bob Connors gave a facility report, discussing fencing, stairs in the parking lot, the sediment pond, and completion of the hydro-seeding. Connors also reported personnel changes. The school board accepted the resignation of Karen Breigenzer, whose last day will be Dec. 31. Hired for the GHS bookkeeper/secretary position was Katie Peterson, and for the accounts payable clerk position was Amanda Engstrom. The board approved the hire of four substitute teacher/aide positions: Barbara Dale, Sherry Young, Jami Johnson, and Darci Shipman. Tim Phillips was hired as the head track coach and Gil Johnson for the head girls softball coach. Steve Mayfield will transfer from the “C” squad boys basketball coach position to the girls JV basketball coach position.

Connors’ final topic for discussion was a Twitter account started by an unknown person and used to bully other students. The account was active for two days before it was suspended and an investigation is ongoing. Connors was complimentary of the GHS students’ reaction because, according to him, they collectively said, “This isn’t right,” and called out the person on Twitter. Connors said any student found to be responsible for such activity will face expulsion and will not be allowed to graduate. If it is determined that an educator or staff person is responsible, they will immediately be terminated from their position.

The meeting was adjourned just before 7:30 p.m. The next scheduled school board meeting will be Jan. 20, 2016 at 6 p.m. in the district board room.