Board starts new year with new faces, new ways

by Mary Le Arneal
Published 1/18/23

The North Bend Central Board of Education took a new step by going online at its Jan. 9 meeting. Starting with this meeting, all meeting information will be posted on Sparq with the meetings continuing to be live streamed. The agenda can be accessed by going to the NBC website, clicking on ‘District’ then clicking on the ‘Sparq’ tab to get the meeting agenda and the proceedings. Board members had their lap top computers to follow the meeting agenda.

Board members took the oath of office and then elected board officers. Doug Hoops was elected president stating his vision of leadership is to work on the school’s culture and team building. Other officers elected were Bob Feurer, vice president, Francis Emanuel, secretary, and Justin Taylor, treasurer. Annual appointments were made and board protocol reviewed.

Craig Jones from First National Bank spoke to the board about investment options for the money in different accounts.

Chris Gross-Rhode submitted an application for the Early Retirement Incentive Program to retire effective the end of this school year. By unanimous vote, the board accepted this.

A bus purchase had been in the works for a while. The board looked at five different buses that are available from February to November this year. The buses carry from 59 to 71 passengers. After some discussion, it was decided that the board transportation committee with input from Mike Murry, facilities and transportation director, would make the decision. A meeting was set up in two days to facilitate the process.

It has been brought to the board’s attention that the maple floors in the gyms have darkened somewhat. The floors are refurnished twice a year, over Christmas break and in the summer. Board member Justin Taylor brought up the flooring on the stage as needing updating. He was against redoing the gym floors again just because we don’t like the color.

Elementary principal Tessie Beaver reported that 19 preschool enrollment packets have been mailed out to prospective families. There is room for a maximum of 36 students in the two sessions. In-district applications and out-of-district applicants who have a sibling enrolled in NBC are due by March 1. After that date enrollment will be open to out-of-district students with no guarantee of placement.

Superintendent Galen Boldt reported that the person hired to be food service manager continues to be unable to work. Food service workers Jamie Brodd at the high school and Amanda Vyhlidal at the elementary school have taken a leadership role in the kitchen. Summer Scott is helping with the paperwork.

Parent Rick Schutt addressed the board about an incident where a bus was rear-ended by a vehicle on icy roads. He had questions about the school’s handling of the 31 students on the bus and if the school had a protocol. Boldt said he would call Schutt personally and tell what the board/school policy is concerning accidents. Schutt agreed to this.
The next board meeting is Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. at the high school.

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