Transportation Director Jack Hanno was invited to come before the Winslow Unified School District Governing Board last week to present an update on the Transfinder system.
Transfinder is a mapping and scheduling software currently being upgraded and learned by the district bus drivers. Hanno told the board that until the proper maps of all WUSD bus routes, including those within the Navajo Nation, are installed in the software, no new updates were available. He explained that he would revisit the issue at a later date. However, during Hanno’s presentation, the concern over the ongoing shortage of bus drivers was mentioned by Vice President Joe Hartnett.
“We have a huge shortage. I have interviewed five people in the last seven days and only two of those five are willing to obtain a fingerprint clearance. Another problem we are running into is the fact that we have no full-time positions in transportation.”
Harnett asked, “Have we discussed integrating the bus driver position with maintenance so that we keep them working?”
Hanno replied in the affirmative and added, “We did have a few of our bus drivers work over the summer with painting and other projects. The majority of our drivers make their living here with the district, so they need to be able to work year around. We are working on keeping them working. We are in need of drivers and the job description is on the district website.”
Those interested in applying to drive or substitute as a bus driver for the Winslow School District must be over the age of 21, possess or be able to obtain a fingerprint clearance card, possess or be able to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL), pass a physical and drug test and be trained in CPR and first aid. Applications are available in the district office, located at 800 N. Apache Ave.
The governing board also held their annual election of officers. Sharon Greenwood and Joe Hartnett will remain in their roles as president and vice president respectively, and Allen Leonard will replace Marilee Ervien as clerk.
In other business, the governing board:
* Accepted donations from the Arizona Department of Corrections from an inmate fundraiser in the amount of $2,000 to Bonnie Brennan Elementary and $1,275 to Jefferson Elementary; and $282 to Jefferson and $23 to Bonnie Brennan from Box Tops for Education.
* Approved an increase in pay for substitute teachers to $15 in accordance with the statewide minimum wage increase.
* Scheduled the next board meeting for 9 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, as a work session for applicant review for the superintendent search.
* Heard the financial report for December. Business Manager Shirley Lomeli said, “In December, we were at 41 percent of our budget spent and we are at 53 percent of our school year, so we are still under budget and doing great.”
* Approved the hiring of Bettie Clark as a substitute teacher; Kevin Coolidge, crossing guard; Meghan Lymer, varsity softball coach; Morris Nesmith, substitute teacher; Anthony Reynoso, junior varsity softball coach; Rob Robertson, academic coach; and Hannah Setalla, classroom aide.
* Approved extra duty stipends for Natalie Barrios and Lisa Long as homecoming and prom sponsors and Amy Arend as the Career Center advisory.
* Approved the resignation of Jodie Garner as principal of Jefferson School effective in June 2020.
* Approved the termination of Edward Montano as a grounds keeper and assistant wrestling coach.
* Approved out of state travel for the Softball Club (22 people) to attend a tournament from March 4-7 in Laughlin, Nev., and April 8-11 to Las Vegas, Nev. Both trips will be funded by the Softball Club.
* Recognized employees and volunteers of the months of November and December. Those recognized were Josephine Begay, Maria Rosales, Larry Oso, Amber Martinez, Deb Fulton, Lissette Quintana, CeCe Donnelly and Kim Gould.
* Revised the current coach’s position description to include the requirement for a Department of Public Safety fingerprint clearance card.
* Approved the ratification of vouchers in a routine procedure allowing the board to submit vouchers to the Navajo County Superintendent between board meetings.
* Tabled a discussion and vote on a motion to increase the activities director position to a year-round position of 261 days. Currently, the position is only paid for 202 days. The decision to table the vote followed a desire from board president to acquire a detailed job description of the activities director’s duties.
* Set the day, time and location of board meetings to remain at 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month in the board room, located at 800 N. Apache Blvd.
