School trustees choose Plan B

Trustees of Joint School District #171 have chosen to go with Plan B for the bond election regarding construction of a new middle school in Orofino.

During discussion Monday evening they expressed concerns that changing to Plan C now, though it may cost less in construction, would not hold the trust of patrons. Earlier this year, Plans A and B were distributed to a variety of community organizations and on the district's web site. The majority of those voting favored Plan B which is a stand-alone middle school. Plan C would save some construction money, but the board has had little feedback from patrons and feels they should go with those plans originally presented. A bond election is planned this fall. Attorney Michael Moore was approved as bond counsel for the district.

At total budget of $11,629,376 was approved for the 2005-06 school year. According to Treasurer Trina Snyder, the biggest change from the previous year is approval by the board to transfer $265,327 from the federal forest fund money to the general fund. Increases in student fees at Orofino Junior High School and Orofino High School were approved. OHS activity cards will now be $27 and the cost of a yearbook at OJHS will be $12.

The trustees are considering a new extra curricular policy for the district. The policy recommended by an extra curricular advisory committee is updated and more stringent than the previous policy. However, it includes provisions for high school students that are failing one class to continue participation in sports and other activities. There was considerable discussion and several of the board members are uncomfortable with having students failing any class be able to participate in extra curricular activities. However, the committee felt it would be an incentive to help keep students involved in school. State association requirements allow for students with six classes to fail one and still participate in extra curricular activities. The policy was approved for first reading and there will be further discussion at the July meeting. Copies of the proposed policy are available through the district office.

Non-certified staff requested four things of the board:

• Paying for background checks for substitutes
• Sick leave for hourly employees
• Continue salary increments for cooks and kitchen employees
• Change the non-certified handbook to include FMLA for a total of 12 weeks for each spouse

All but the sick leave for hourly employees was approved.

Emergency rescue personnel are requesting that the district donate property for a new facility to house ambulances and other rescue equipment, according to Superintendent Al Arnzen. The whole piece of property, which is around 22 acres, has been appraised at $50,000. The rescue personnel are requesting just a portion of the property. Board members expressed concerns about donating the land with considering the condition the district budget is in at this point. The rescue group will meet with the board in July. Clearwater Youth Alliance is requesting that the district purchase materials for the new teen center to be built at OHS so they will not have to pay sales tax on the items. The district's auditor does not feel that can happen without the district building the facility otherwise the contractor might end up paying the sales tax. The state tax commission will be consulted.

A Technology Network position funded by a $41,000 grant will be added for one year to integrate a person into the district's system. If all goes well that person will replace Sylvia Stevens who is leaving after the 2005-06 year.

Long-time elementary school teacher Karen Williams is among those leaving the district this year. She and her husband are moving to Arizona where she will take another teaching position. She said is leaving for money, but is also concerned over a shift she has seen over the last several years that teachers do not have the unqualified support of the board. However, she feels the problems can be worked out.

Lynette Dobson-Merry has submitted a request for maternity leave that is somewhat unusual since she would teach part of the week and a substitute would teach part of the week. The details have not been worked out with the principal of her building and the matter was referred back to that venue.

Approval was given to transfer a teacher from the Special Education program to work in a classroom at Orofino Elementary School.

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