Two Additional Teacher Positions May Be Created At Indian Wells

Superintendent Robbie Koerperich noted, “Indian Wells Elementary School has experienced an increase in enrollment over the past three years. Dr. (Jeri) McKinnon is recommending an addition of one kindergarten teacher due to anticipated increased enrollment in kindergarten and one sixth grade teacher due to the number of students currently enrolled in fifth grade.”

Board member Olivia Jaquez asked what would happen if the teachers were hired and enrollment then decreased. Koerperich explained that current enrollment in fifth grade is 63 students, and there are only two sixth grade teachers.

“Two classes is too small,” he said, adding that the district anticipates an increase rather than a decrease. “Enrollment has been increasing steadily at Indian Wells.”

He also told the board that kindergarten enrollment is being estimated at 80 to 100 students based on numbers enrolled in Head Start and preschool. According to Koerperich, the school will hold early registration to get a better handle on the numbers, and will make a final hiring decision based on early enrollment.

“We generally don’t hire until May or June,” he said. “If it looks like we won’t have the numbers, then we will possibly not hire an additional kindergarten teacher.”

Board members unanimously approved the additional positions. Members Linda Yazzie and Rosie Sekayumptewa were absent from the proceedings.

In other action Feb. 8, the board:

* Approved sole source vendors, with the exception of Walt’s Hardware.

Route 66 Lumber co-owner Tip Skevington asked the board to reconsider naming Walt’s Hardware as a sole source vendor since his business sells many of the same products. Board member Ferral Knight asked staff to look into the matter.

The sole source vendors approved included Arizona Public Service Co. (APS), electricity; Unisource Energy Services, natural gas; Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, electricity at IWES; Postage by Phone, stamps for Pitney Bowes machine; Tyler Technology, School Master software; Windsor Management, Visions accounting software; Navajo Sanitation Service, trash disposal at IWES; Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA), district policy service; Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA), administration of high school interscholastic athletics; and City of Holbrook, city services such as water, sewer and trash.

* Approved the emergency purchase and installation of carpeting for “S” building at Holbrook High School at a cost of $7,498.31 from Build Strategic.

Koerperich noted that the carpet in the building was ruined when a water pipe burst. The cost includes removal of the damaged carpet, preparation of the floors, purchase and installation of new carpet, and rubber cove base.

* Approved a list of authorized check signers and treasurers for student-led clubs.

* Approved the expenditure of $2,500 for the annual governing board academic banquet.

The funds will cover the cost of dinner for each student receiving an award and two guests of the recipient. All others attending will pay $8 per person.

* Approved Northland Pioneer College (NPC) course equivalencies.

Courses included on the approved list may be taken at NPC and the student will also receive high school credit.

* Approved Jason Gardner as an Informational Technology intern through April 2011.

* Approved vendors for a federal Erate grant.

Vendors selected include Cable One, fiber connection and Internet connection for schools in Holbrook; Verizon, cell phone service; Frontier Communications, bandwidth for IWES and district telephone service; Qwest, long distance phone service; and Network Infrastructure Corporation, internal networks and connections at schools.

The next school board meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, at the district office in Holbrook.