GOESSEL—Goessel School Board met on Feb. 8 and heard from Superintendent/elementary principal Amanda Lowrance about donations to the athletic department from Leon and Virginia Guhr and also Duane and Agatha Duerksen. The donations will help pay the cost of officials for basketball games. Board chair Kelly Booton wished to thank them for their generosity. The board voted to accept the donations.
Lowrance told the board that Kansas State High School Activities Association rules have changed for spectators at ball games. Previously, two spectators were allowed for each participant. Some schools might choose to keep that limit. However, KSHSAA now allows four spectators for each participant. Therefore, Goessel will now allow four. Social distancing and masks are still required.
The junior high basketball season is now over. Junior high/high school principal Scott Boden reported that they were able to play a full schedule of games. However, the junior high Wheat State League tournament was canceled.
Plans for spring sports are underway and will be made according to KSHSAA health recommendations.
Lowrance reported that the Kansas State Board of Education is working on new regulations for COVID-19 testing and hoping for test results to be returned within 24 hours. Lowrance also mentioned staying up to date with the county health department.
In Boden’s report, he mentioned that the junior high league music contest will not be held, due to coronavirus concerns. However, the Goessel music department will have an “in-house” junior high music contest with judges. The goal is to give the students the performance and rating experience they would receive at a league contest in other years. High school students can participate in music contest, but all entries will be recorded this year instead of in-person.
In other business, the board:
•approved early retirement for first grade teacher Barb Goering. “We’re very sad to see her go,” Lowrance said. Booton agreed and said he appreciates “her years of service […] everything she has given to the district.”
•learned that the track will need updates to meet new regulations.
•listened to Lowrance’s report about choosing new grade school math curriculum. She said all grade school teachers will be involved in the selection.
•heard that the school is working on selection and adoption of social emotional curriculum to be implemented in fall.
•heard from Boden that the high school scholars bowl season is over.
•heard that junior high quiz bowl is starting, as well as high school forensics with virtual meets.
•heard about plans for senior recognition at a home basketball game.
•heard that the Marion County Spelling Bee would be at Goessel on Feb. 10. The plan was to allow parent spectators, according to the guidelines for sports events.
•heard that the band and choir spring barbecue concert will likely be outdoors this year.
•heard that the high school musical “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” is scheduled for May 7 and 8.
•heard that the junior class is discussing possible options for prom with only Goessel students.
•heard of heating issues in a junior high classroom. The school is looking into bids to replace the furnace.
•approved Kansas Association of School Boards updates as written. Booton said the changes are not significant. Lowrance said some of the updates are in regard to COVID-19.
•agreed to extend the school nurse position for another year. Libby Schrag is the nurse. Lowrance commented about the “significant assistance” she has provided. Lowrance mentioned Schrag’s COVID-19 management. Booton said he appreciates the balance she helps bring to the situation. Lowrance said she also helps with other situations, such as managing diabetes and other student health issues. She is also involved with social and emotional student issues that sometimes cause physical complaints.
•listened to the Marion County Special Education Cooperative report from board member Bryant Miller. He said the MSCEC appreciated a donation from Knights of Columbus for Project Search. He said some students are ready to participate in that program, although details need to be worked out due to COVID-19.
•appointed Ben Schrag to meet and confer. Board member Maynard Knepp is also a board representative on the meet and confer committee.
•heard the treasurer’s report from board clerk Joni Smith. She said “All of our funds are in good shape.”
•approved the month’s financial statements of $59,917.35, which includes a payment to Goessel Mennonite Church for the amount that the church’s heating bill increased during the two months that the school used the facility for modified quarantine for a number of students. The school appreciated use of the church.
