Goessel School Board hears of recent storm

The Goessel school board met on May 9 and heard from junior high/high school principal Scott Boden that the tornado warning on April 29 had disrupted the junior high/high school band/choir concert. The bands had already performed, and also the 6th grade choir. But the junior high and high school choirs had not performed yet when the audience was directed to storm safe areas of the school. Consequently, it was decided that the high school choir would sing before awards night on May 13, and the junior high choir would sing before 8th grade promotion on May 17.

Speaking of severe storms, the board discussed use of the storm shelter that is a preschool classroom. That room is built according to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines. Superintendent/elementary principal Mark Crawford explained that the school communicates about weather with the Fire Chief to determine when the storm shelter should be unlocked for community storm protection.

Those who need to use the storm shelter are asked to please be respectful of the classroom space and the preschool supplies. In other words, Crawford said, “Treat the space like it is their home.” He also said pets are not allowed in the storm shelter.

Turning their attention to other matters, the board noted the recent accreditation visit on April 27. Crawford said the actual day went very well. Boden said that half of the schools in the state are currently up for accreditation. He said the state has changed the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) rules.

Boden also mentioned that the Kansas State High School Activities Association board of directors added a “multiplier formula” for big schools.

In other business, the board:

* heard from Crawford about the Project Management presentations by high school teacher Crysta Guhr’s students. Crawford said, “I was super impressed. They were awesome.” Board member Sara Hiebert agreed: “It was phenomenal.”

* expressed appreciation to the anonymous former board member and spouse for the $1,500 donation for the band/choir trip to Dallas and also in appreciation of live-streaming activities.

* approved the resignation of Garrett Hiebert as junior high basketball coach. Boden commented, “Mr. Hiebert’s years of service to junior high basketball are appreciated. He has provided a great foundation for students to develop skills and experience success.” Hiebert will continue his other duties.

* approved the resignation of high school social science teacher Harmony Gerlach. Boden wrote, “We wish Mrs. Gerlach the best as her family moves out of state for her husband’s employment.”

* noted the many people who make track meets run smoothly.

* expressed appreciation that Bluebird Backers had provided snacks during state assessments. Boden said state assessments went very smoothly.

* approved out-of-state travel for two high school students who qualified to participate in the national FCCLA leadership conference in San Diego, California, June 29-July 3.

* expressed appreciation to the Health Ministries mobile clinic for coming to Goessel to conduct sports physicals at no cost to the school.

* noted that total donations for the band/choir meal were $4,339.

* noted that the last day of school is May 17, regional track May 20 at Burlington, state golf May 23-24 at Hesston, and state track May 27-28 at Wichita State University.

* heard from board member Maynard Knepp that the recent Marion County Special Education Cooperative meeting had been mostly executive session. He said the MCSEC has a director until July, and he noted other openings. Knepp said he had seen how Project Search helps students. “It’s a really good program,” he said.

 

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