It was interesting to say the least when the Wild Rose School Board met May 13.
A few people desired an audience with the Board, starting with middle school teacher Jim Komp. Mr. Komp gave a brief statement on behalf of the staff, pointing out that they appreciate how the Board and the Administration handles school district business, no matter how hard it may be.
Next up was Tara Anderson who had concerns regarding parents having approached school administration with bullying and/or racial slur issues, and not getting the positive results. Her own son has on occasion heard the “n” word when his half-brothers living in Detroit don’t hear the racial slurs. She wanted to make sure that the bully and slurs are taken care of consistently.
A staff member had mentioned that the guilty party(ies) had been talked to.
Ms. Anderson had also asked if the Board/Administration could reconsider action being taken on “suspended” staff members, for she heard that the staff members have been doing good work. She was informed that personnel matters are taken care of in private.
An At-Risk teacher spoke to the Board, admitting that such matters as bullying and racial slurs have to be handled better.
Another concerned parent spoke to the Board, first commending them and Administration for getting students back in the school buildings after the COVID shutdowns. His concern now is about possible harmful affects the kids may be experiencing because of the continuous wearing of facemasks. He pointed out that we have learned a lot regarding COVID-19, but feels the views don’t affect kids, especially outdoors. (In reality, the virus had been discovered to affect some youths, quite severely even, and has killed at least one child.)
After listening to those who desired an audience, an election of Board Officers was conducted. Everyone retained their positions: Sandie Anderson as president, Wayne Roemer as vice-president, Kathy Williams as clerk, and Dave Williams as treasurer. The Board committees stay the same as well.
In priority business the Board approved a leave of absence request from Tyler Caswell.
The appointments of Andrea Havlovitz as the school business managers, Brynna Kemp as a middle school language arts teacher, and Kyle Clapper as a physical education/health teacher were approved by the Board.
The official approval of the Class of 2021 was granted, as well as the senior class trip to Roberts Park in Wild Rose.
Graduation plans were viewed and approved for 2021. High School and Eighth Grade graduations will be held indoors with COVID protocols in place, limiting the number of guests, and there will be no band presence.
The police liaison officer contract for 2021-22 was approved at a cost of $11,294.34.
Membership into the WIAA for athletics for 2021-22 was approved by the Board.
Before entering closed session to discuss personnel matters, the Board set the next meetings for Thursday, May 27, Thursday, June 10, and Tuesday, June 29, all at 7 p.m.
