School Board recognizes school principals’ service in recent meeting

||| FROM CATHY FERRAN |||

I’m hoping your readers will be interested in some highlights of the OISD Regular Monthly School Board meeting that took place in the School Library (and on Zoom) October 28. Here they are:

Chair, Linda Sheridan, attended remotely and Member Greg White was excused due to an off-island commitment. Vice-Chair, Ayn Gailey, chaired the meeting last night in the School Library. Board Members Bridget Broderick and John Fleming also attended in-person.

The board recognized all three Principals with Certificates of Appreciation for their continued dedication to their students and families.

Athletic Director, Ryan Wilson, reviewed current grade check and eligibility protocols for student-athletes in middle and high schools. He assured the board that the protocols have evolved over the years to encourage sports participation for all students; in fact, participation is up! As well, protocols and supports are in place to capture those students needing help to stay on track academically. Wilson went on to say that he is very pleased with the quality and enthusiasm of our coaches. Principal Kyle Freeman is excited about the possibility of using ESSER funds for tutoring. Dr. Camille Fleming and other island medical providers have routinely helped by providing free mandated physical checkups for those students lacking support. 

Principal Lorena Stankevich reported on the success of the Summer Reading Program and the Highly Capable Program. She shared that the students that participated made growth over the four weeks of summer school – some maintained where they were at.

The district recently purchased the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking to better assess students with language barriers for possible inclusion in the Highly Capable Program.

Finance and Operations Director, Lisa Dawn-Fisher, reviewed her report and updated the board on the progress of the grant for the electric buses, and reminding the board that the charging station must be installed before we’re allowed to take delivery of the buses. Supply chain issues have delayed the install; however, things are looking up. The district is currently soliciting bids for passenger vans (capacity of 7 and under) for transportation needs; our insurance provider requires a CDL certification for transporting students in larger vehicles.

Here are the OISD personnel actions for this month:

• OPEN a non-continuing leave replacement elementary teacher position for the 2021-22 school year (second semester).
• ACCEPT an intent to retire from Jeff Heater as a .531 annual FTE Maintenance – Waldron position effective 12/31/21.
• ACCEPT a resignation from Linda Cowen as a 1.00 annual FTE Payroll and Benefits Specialist position effective 12/31/21.
• APPROVE Debbie Bruland as a .367 annual FTE Health Assistant effective 11/1/21.
• APPROVE Rebekah Hardee as a .092 annual FTE Office Clerk effective 10/1/21.
• HIRE Dina Streets as a .464 annual FTE Assistant Cook effective 11/1/21.
• HIRE Madeline Olson as a .278 annual FTE Library Technician effective 11/1/21.
• HIRE Bianca Cox as a .597 FTE Paraeducator effective 11/1/21.
• OPEN a one day per week SLPA position for the 2021-22 school year.
• HIRE Katie Spinner as the OIMS Boys Basketball Head Coach for the 2021-22 school year.
• HIRE Bonnie Mahoney as the OIMS Girls Basketball Head Coach for the 2021-22 school year.
• HIRE Sada Ashcraft as the OIHS Assistant Girls Basketball Coach for the 2021-22 school year.
• APPROVE Gregg Sasan as the OIHS Girls Basketball Head Coach for the 2021-22 school year.
• APPROVE Jeconiah Sack as the OIHS Assistant Boys Basketball Coach for the 2021-22 school year.
• APPROVE Edgardo Lago as the OIHS Boys Basketball Head Coach for the 2021-22 school year.
• APPROVE Jack Gates as the OIMS Boys Basketball Volunteer Assistant Coach for the 2021-22 school year.
• APPROVE Andrew Stephens as the OIMS Boys Basketball Volunteer Assistant Coach for the 2021-22 school year.
• APPROVE Jeffrey Spinner as the OIMS Boys Basketball Volunteer Assistant Coach for the 2021-22 school year.
• APPROVE Haley Cruz Winchell as the OIHS Assistant Girls Basketball Volunteer Coach for the 2021-22 school year.

Last but, not least: OISD will be honoring our Veterans by hosting a Veteran’s Day Assembly outside in the Middle School Commons from 8:45 – 9:15 a.m. WED November 10. 

For more information, please check out our online platform, BoardDocs.