Geary School Board members were a busy bunch Monday when they met in regular session.
Following opening ceremonies, the board swore in newly elected member Kendra Houston. Later in the meeting, David Lawson was appointed to fill the unexpired term in board seat five. When the board reorganized, an annual undertaking, Afton Jameson was elevated to board president, Jason Bernhardt became vice president and Taylar Burns was named clerk.
The Baby Bison Ranch has 20 children enrolled with 10 at the Bison Academy. Gretchen Melvin, a master teacher, has been named as director of the program. The facility is a three-star facility, and its monitoring visit this month noted no issues of non-compliance. Chelsea Pankratz and Lacie Pribble were recognized by the Blaine County Retired Educators for going above and beyond their jobs to ensure the success of their students and were awarded $100 gift certificates from that organization at its monthly meeting.
The board approved a request from BPA to travel to their national event in Anaheim, Calif., April 25-30 and another request from BETA to attend a convention in Louisville, Ky., in June.
One of the most eagerly awaited decisions the board made was to allow students to drive to the Prom. In years past, students gathered at the school and were transported to the dance on a school bus. The board began discussing the change in March and returned with the thumbs up for driving at this The board also took on several teacher-pay motions. It decided to accept the salary step extension and the revised extra duty list, which describes the salaries attached to other activities like coaching a team or sponsoring a club. It also approved retention stipends for both certified and support personnel who return next year. There were several certified staff members who will not return next year, including Stephanie King, Scott Miller, Macy Griffin, Amber Gibbons, Shaylee Seright, Brooklyn Brower, Christa Burns, Todd Bowles and Abigail Nolen.
Alicia Davis has been hired at the elementary school, while Tasha Jefferson will become the principal there. Also hired are certified teachers Samantha Finney and Jada Graybill. Shameron Black will serve a support staff position.
The Geary School Board will next meet at 6 p.m. May 8.