Countywide Emergency Services Held Training at School
If you were looking down School Road Friday, September 13, you would have seen many law enforcement, fire department and medical emergency vehicles around the school. It was a training day for all with simulated events throughout the school. It included responders from Washington County, Weiser city, Midvale and Cambridge Fire Depts. The school staff were included in some of the training. When asked about using the school for such an event, Superintendent Kylee Morris said, “Why not. Now they know the complete layout of the school, all the classrooms, where the light switches are, etc.” She mentioned it was amazing to see the level of response in the hallways and throughout the school to possible events, including active shooter scenarios.
Trustee Dan Uhlenkott of Zone 1 turned in his resignation from the school board so the remaining trustees declared a vacancy. The school will be accepting letters of interest until 4 pm, October 28, from residents of Zone 1. At that regular meeting the board will consider all interested persons who will appear to be interviewed in the public meeting, since the position is an elected one. The one appointed will begin serving at the regular November 25 meeting.
The school has received a three-year grant from the Department of Education to fund a School Resource Officer to be shared with the Cambridge District. The deputy will come from the county sheriff’s department. There has been a deputy coming to the games and responding to requests from the schools and he will probably be the one to take on the position. The SRO will also attend all sporting events.
There is still an opening for a bus driver. The one driver still remaining is driving a longer route and parents have been good to work with the school to help meet the bus or drive kids to school. There is a 15-passenger van available for $18,000 at a lot in Renton. The board viewed an extensive presentation covering all aspects of the vehicle. It has the capability for two wheel chairs if necessary. The board approved the purchase of the van. As long as there are no more than fifteen passengers, the driver does not have to have a CDL which will make it work for routes, sports and extracurricular trips. Someone will fly up to get it and the seller will have it waiting at the airport for the trip back to Midvale. It’s brightly colored which will make it visible, but since it is not a bus, there is no yellow paint.
The current lawn mower which may be twenty years old is becoming undependable. The board suggested that Kylee work with the supplier to see if the $13,000 replacement might come down in price this winter, since it won’t be needed until spring.
The school administration will be enjoying several audits this year regarding accreditation, federal programs, etc.
The last of the key pad entries have been installed, making the school more secure. Students have a code that works from 7:30-4:00 and staff have one also.
Several actions were approved: fuel bid from Farmer’s Supply Coop, advertise for snow removal bids, advertising for bids to pave driveway and two parking areas, ISBA resolution regarding the hiring of trustee’s spouses in the smaller districts. That resolution will have to go before the legislature for a vote.
The next regular meeting will be October 28 at 7 pm.
