Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008

USD 340, Spencer will sponsor welding class

by Clarke Davis

The Jefferson West school board accepted a $1,000 donation from Ernest-Spencer Metals, who will again join the school district in sponsoring a welding class later this year.

The Meriden firm’s donation will be used to purchase equipment and supplies for the class taught by Gilbert Hall.

“This is the perfect partnership,” said Superintendent Scott Myers. “We share facilities and supplies . . . and serve the public.”

Approximately 15 completed the course taught last fall. A new class will begin Oct. 16. Tuition is $100.

The board instituted a trip fee of $5 for students who ride a pep bus to out-of-district sporting events. The purpose is to offset the cost of fuel and other expenses.

The board spent a half hour in executive session with its Topeka attorney, Vern Jarboe, to discuss the lawsuit brought against the district by Max Becker after the board decided it would not purchase an 80-acre tract of land it had originally agreed to. The superintendent said the case is now in the discovery phase.

Future needs of the district were discussed, zeroing in mostly on the middle school and the bus barn.

“The board wants an assessment of these buildings to see if they are cost efficient,” Meyers said.

The middle school is about 40 years old and a couple of walls have recently had to be mudjacked.

The superintendent said the board wants to know if the building can be added onto as it makes plans. Utility costs and other efficiencies are the concerns at the bus barn along with safety and security.

“They just need some hard data to base their decisions on,” he said.

School administrators introduced new teachers to the board that included Kirbie Macary and Matt Tinsley, at the high school; counselor Amanda Rush, middle school; and Clay Mayer, Debbie Duncan, and Mary Melton at the elementary and intermediate schools.

Sixth-graders Jacey Guy, Sarah Allison, and Madison Fangman expressed their thanks to the board for its support in their being able to attend a Florida event for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.

Board members Dr. G. Daniel Harden and Dreana McClurg were given awards from the Kansas Associaton of School Boards for completion of continuing education classes.