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PO Box 950, Pomeroy, WA 99347 Phone: (509) 843-3393

Agendas/Minutes

Pomeroy School Board Meeting Review

November 29th, 2022

 
 
  1. Board President Ashley Koller called the board meeting to order at 7:00 pm. All board of directors were present. Superintendent Gwinn, High School Principal Dan Wendt and Business Manager, Kelly McKeirnan were also in attendance, along with Naomi Scoggin representing the East Washingtonian and one audience member.
  2. Minutes for the October 24th, 2022, meeting were approved, as well as the bills and vouchers.
  3. Superintendent Gwinn updated the board on the current enrollment for November. Current FTE count was 348.
  4. The board approved by roll call Resolution 309, Proposition No.1: Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy. This will be a four-year levy, with a total collection of $4.4 million ($1,100,000 each year). Additional information will be posted on our website, as well as emailed to staff soon.
  5. The board of directors also approved by roll call Resolution 310, Proposition No. 2: Capital Levy for Safety and Infrastructure Improvements. This is a six-year levy, with a total collection of $3 million ($500,000 each year). Some of the projects may include, but are not limited to: new elementary playground, sidewalk replacement at the elementary and high school, new elementary roof, replacement of the outdated lights at the football field, and possibly installation of lights at the baseball field.
  6. The recommendation to hire Mat Slaybaugh as head wrestling coach and Joel Steele as assistant wrestling coach was also approved.
  7. Superintendent Gwinn and business manager Kelly McKeirnan discussed with the board the grant PSD received for an electric bus. It was recommended that the school district not accept these funds, which was in the amount of $395,000. The reasoning behind this decision included that the grant amount would not cover the cost of buying a bus, nor the cost of placing the required infrastructure to charge and sustain the requirements of an electric bus. An estimated cost to purchase a bus, with the requirements needed for our rural routes, and the charging requirements are well above $600,000. This additional cost would have to come from the district. In addition, the rural routes, as well as the distance we travel for athletic events will not be well supported with an electric bus.
  8. The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 19th at 6:00 PM in the high school library.
  9. Kelly McKeirnan gave a brief business manager report. Mr. Wendt gave an update on leggings and hats. He also shared how proud he is of the fall sports teams and the success. Principal Rachel Gwinn shared that first trimester ends Friday and report cards will be going home. The Gobble up a Good Book was a huge success and we are currently planning for the Holiday Program that has been scheduled for December 14th. The elementary staff have been engaging in professional development on dyslexia, which has been beneficial.
  10. An executive session was called at 8:04 for 5 minutes to discuss staffing. The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 PM.
  11. Any forms or handouts at the board meeting may be requested from the district office electronically or in person. Call 843-1651 or email [email protected]