The Winslow Unified School District Governing Board recently held a regular meeting to discuss important matters concerning the district. During the meeting, the board accepted a donation to Winslow High School from Casey’s Color Center, who donated wood staining supplies to the school’s career and technical education classes valued at over $6,000. This thoughtful contribution will help save room for other supplies and give the students the opportunity to learn valuable woodworking skills. Board President Debbie Martinez expressed her sincere gratitude for their support.
During the meeting, the board addressed various items, including appointments and budgeting. Cathlynn Diaz was appointed as the Jefferson kindergarten teacher. Additionally, a list of substitutes and emergency substitutes was approved. The substitutes include Alphena Armao, Misty Benham, Isabel Britton, Donna Duran, Lisa Long, Marianne Richardson, Genevieve Salt, Susan St. Germaine and Iris Wells, as well as district emergency substitutes Deborah Allen, Shanae Canales, Roberta Cano, Sheri Hatfield, Chuck Hodge, Cheyne Lowry, April Martinez and Alexis Vargas.
The proposed expenditure budget for the 2023/2024 academic year was thoroughly reviewed and approved during the meeting. The board members engaged in discussions to ensure that the budget aligns with the district’s objectives and effectively supports the needs of students and staff. The almost $17 million budget includes a 12% increase in spending on students and an average increase of $2,000 to each teacher’s salary.
Another significant topic discussed was the revision of special education class size capacities. Nathan Lindaman, the Special Education Director, provided updated numbers indicating that there are sufficient capacities for open enrollment at all five schools. The board approved the revised class size capacities, ensuring that students with special needs would receive the attention and resources they require to thrive academically. The board approved a motion on special education class sizes at its last meeting, but the numbers were incorrect and had to be brought back to the board to be corrected.
The board approved two notable requests during the meeting. Firstly, HERC Rentals was designated as the sole source provider for the remainder of the school year, something the board must do if services rendered cost more than $10,000, after supplying heaters for the high school gymnasium. The final billing from HERC Rentals exceeded $10,000, but the board approved the request to ensure necessary provisions are in place. Secondly, N.J. Shaum & Son was approved as a sole source provider for repairing the stadium lights. The original estimate did not exceed $10,000, but unexpected complexities increased the price tag for the district. This decision ensures the optimal condition of the stadium lights for future events.
The board also acknowledged the refinishing of the Winslow Junior High School gym floors, which are undergoing a restoration process. They had the opportunity to do the project earlier in the year but thought it would be the least intrusive to do it during the summer. The project is expected to be finished with plenty of time to spare before the students return from summer break.
Also, during the meeting, Board Member Todd Wilcox shared his experience attending the summer institute, which included comprehensive training for new board members. He suggested the possibility of discussing a strategic plan for the board in an upcoming work session, recognizing the importance of long-term planning. Dodie Montoya extended gratitude to the principals present at the meeting and expressed her desire for more staff to receive CPR and first aid training, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the entire school community.
In other business, the board:
* Approved June 7 meeting minutes.
* Approved ratification list in the amount of $714,738.05.
The next meeting of the WUSD school board will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, in the meeting room, located at 800 N. Apache Ave.
