HOWARD — The East Knox school board meeting on Wednesday was largely a routine meeting, Treasurer Jessi Busenburg told the News on Thursday.
Regarding personnel, the board granted the retirement request of secretary Caryl Friel, effective Jan. 31. Friel has served the district for 25 years. The board also approved Wilda Farmer as a home instruction tutor, employed Karen Whitney as an educational aide, retroactively effective Nov. 30, added Karen Meade to the classified substitute list, hired Lindsay Nelson as a tutor for the 21st Century program and issued a supplemental contract to Kevin Gallwitz to serve as head baseball coach.
In connection with the Carol White Physical Education Program grant, the board certified the job description for the Healthy Lifestyle coach, agreed to have McGuire and Associates provide required evaluation services and hired Meghan Brindley as PEP grant director, beginning Dec. 22. All costs will be paid with grant funds.
In addition to approving routine fiscal actions, the board accepted the following donations: Services from Benjamin Brockway and Black Paw Canine LLC provided to the 21st Century after-school program; glass from Strang Glass; and $400 from St. Luke Church Knights of Columbus for East Knox Athletics. The board also: Revised its service contract with the Knox County Educational Service Center; accepted the quote for services related to the high school roof replacement project, and authorized the treasurer to advertise for bids to replace a portion of the high school roof. Costs for the roof projected will be paid from permanent improvement funds.
Other actions taken by the board included the adoption of 21st Century handbooks and the approval of early graduation for Don Barrick. He will be promoted to senior status as of Jan. 13. Outgoing board members Korey Kidwell, one term, and Larry Campbell, 24 years, were recognized for their service to the district.
The East Knox school board will hold a work session on Jan. 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the Knox County Career Center board office.
The board’s 2012 organizational meeting will be held in the middle school on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m., to be immediately followed by the annual budget hearing and regular monthly meeting. Renee McDaniel will serve as president pro tempore.
The public is reminded the K-12 facility study results will be presented during the regular meeting on Jan. 11. It is expected the presentation will include cost-savings options related to facilities.