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Discussion of policy regarding public comment was a prominent feature of the lengthy Hot Springs County School District No. 1 Board of Trustees meeting on May 18.

During the segment on policy revision, board Trustee Clay Van Antwerp suggested a change to Policy BEDH – Public Participation at Board Meetings. One change would come at the end of the statement “Speakers will be recognized by the chairman of the board and may make objective comments on school operations and programs.” Antwerp suggested adding the phrase “listed on the current monthly agenda.” This would limit patrons of the school board meetings to commenting on approved agenda items.

The topic of public comment was thoroughly discussed during the meeting.

Board Chairman Sherman Skelton said, “Over the last several months, we have heard statements retracted, we have heard people acknowledging that they steer conversation, we have had three months of conversation on an audit that we all knew the results of. It’s exhausting, quite honestly, and it seems like there is a motive other than the educational benefit of our students.”

The suggested revision of Policy BEDH was approved during the meeting.

SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

During his report, Superintendent Dustin Hunt gave an explanation to clarify the nature of the funds being used for the construction of the teacherage units to provide housing for school district employees.

He said, “Our funds for the teacherage come from federal funds that were designed as COVID relief funds. Some districts have chosen to build auxiliary gyms, enhance their facilities, but the money must be used on facilities, and it must be encumbered by September of 2024 or you lose it. It’s an opportunity to invest in the district.”

Hunt then explained that the project was set to be built near the school district’s bus barn, and the complex could house as many as six families. He described the teacherage as, “An investment in the district but also an investment in the community.”

He proceeded to describe issues that the district has heard from new employees regarding housing, and how the teacherage would be an effort to address this concern directly. He said, “Having a lot of discussions with our first- and second-year teachers, one of their biggest hurdles is housing, whether it’s cost, quality, availability, or just the uncertainty of a new graduate coming to a new community. The teacherage would be an option for them for up to three years with the idea that they would have three years to purchase a home in our community and become long-term teachers.”

Hunt then said that starting this week, he would be offering a set time for visitors to speak to the superintendent. The current time slot is the Monday following a school board meeting, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the board room, with the first of these meetings having occurred on May 22. He said, “If a patron wants to come ask me some questions, they are welcome to. There won’t be an agenda and I might not have answers immediately, but we can have discourse. I’m willing to work on pretty much anything for the betterment of our kids’ wellness, as long as that’s what it’s about.”

PUBLIC COMMENT

Only one public commenter presented at last week’s board meeting: Bob Aguiar introduced himself saying, “I’m a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, I don’t have any children in the school district, which is why I was asked to come and talk by those who don’t feel comfortable talking to the board.”

He claimed to be representing issues brought up by others who were not present at the school board meeting, including the financial responsibilities of the board, district spending on their teacherage project, teacher turnover and bullying. He did not cite specific examples or offer any solutions.

FINANCES

During the segment discussing financial information from the past month, board members provided insight into the process of how that information is handled.

At face value it may appear as though financial items get approved without much consideration, but board members explained how their finance committee spends time going over financial matters. The finance committee meets on the second Wednesday of each month with the district’s Business Manager Jessica Benefiel. This way, much of the discussion surrounding those matters has already been had before the board meeting and expedites the process within the meeting.

STAFFING

The following staffing changes were approved following executive session:

Retirement from Mike Ervin as crossing guard effective May 26.

Retirement from Joleen Crosby as special education paraprofessional effective May 26.

Resignation from Rayann Casciato as elementary teacher effective May 26.

David Egger hired as fifth grade teacher effective August 16.

Gordan Sand hired as bus driver effective June 1.

Darryl Baldes hired as behavior room paraprofessional effective August 16 and middle school assistant wrestling coach.

Levi Benboe hired as transportation director effective May 30.

Caleb Robertson hired as high school social studies teacher effective August 16.

Transfers, Change of Status, Extra Duties: 

Shane Corpening - assistant high school football coach

Dean Despain - assistant hs football coach

Policy Revision

The following policy revisions were approved on first reading:

BEC - Executive Sessions

BEDB-E - Agenda Format

BEDG - Minutes of Board Meetings 

BEDH - Public Participation at Board Meetings

BGD-CHB - Administration in the Absence of Policy

IHBG - Home Schooling

JFAB - Admission of Non Resident Students 

Policy BBBA was approved on second and final reading.

Adoption

Policy IHBI – Time and Effort, a new policy for compliance was approved and adopted.

OTHER BUSINESS

Jessica Benefiel was approved as the Hot Springs County School District No. 1 delegate for the WSBAIT board.

Advertising for bids to repair/extend the sewer line was approved.

Asset disposal was approved, and some items owned by the school district will be sold.

The Staff Handbook for the 2023-2024 school year was approved on first reading.

Advertising for physical therapy provider bids was approved.

The schedule for the board retreat meeting in June was approved.

The following items were actioned upon following executive session, and were moved/seconded:

No school district salary shall be under $15 an hour for fiscal year 2024.

Certified substitute teacher pay was set for $18 an hour for fiscal year 2024.

The school district will increase its contributions to staff health insurance premiums up to 8.9% to cover the cost increase of insurance.

The district will provide those teachers instructing concurrent credit courses with a stipend.

Credit reimbursement was increased to $150 per credit hour up to 12 credit hours for fiscal year 2024.

The annual leave allowed for part-time classified staff was increased from five days to nine days.

Nationally board-certified teachers that were receiving state reimbursement that is no longer defined shall now be reimbursed by the school district.