By Linda Kor During the Snowflake Unified School District Governing Board meeting, Superintendent Hollis Merrell introduced Bob and Heidi Williams who have donated $22,000 to the districts’ agriculture program, stating that the agriculture program impacted Williams’ life and that he is very impressed with Snowflake students. The funds will be used to help FFA kids to get to Nationals. Regarding high school athletics Merrell said that at this time the program does not meet the required AIA guidelines regarding COVID-19. “We may have to wait until after Christmas break,” he stated. Due to the extra time and effort put forth for organizing online instruction to accommodate distance learning during the pandemic, the board approved a one-time $1,500 plus benefits stipend for the distance learning support teachers for grades 7-12, funded through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund. Also approved was a one-time $2,000 stipend plus benefits for the kindergarten through sixth grade distance learning teacher/coordinator funded through ESSER for the extra duties, responsibilities and assistance required of that position. All staff was approved for performance pay with certified teaching staff to receive a prorated amount based on $538. The classified administration and other staff will be paid 56 cents per hour for hours contracted to be worked through Dec. 18. The total estimated cost will be nearly $149,000 and will be funded from three different funds. Certified teacher costs of $84,000 will be paid from the Classroom Improvement Fund and Maintenance and Operation Fund. The remainder of the funds in the amount of $65,000 will be paid from the Forest Fee Fund. During call to the public, Kayley Willis informed the board that she continues to have concerns over students wearing masks. She stated that if parents sign the release form then they should be able to make a choice for their child. She is looking into the legal aspect of this. Kayley stated she is very thankful for what the teachers and district are doing. In other business, the board: * Approved hiring of Melissa Hall for Snowflake Junior High School volleyball. * Approved the resignations of Alecia Ranere and Trinitee Flake. * Approved volunteer Karsen Decker as the assistant wrestling coach. * Approved early graduation for Snowflake High School students Kenzie Ramage, Kristen Herzmann and Riley Crosby. * Approved the Snowflake High School boys soccer fundraiser to sell all sport T-shirts at events for estimated earnings of $2,000. * Approved an FFA fundraiser for selling calendars containing Culver’s coupons and a Future Business Leaders of America fundraiser community toy drive. * Approved an increase in copy center aide hours by one hour per day. * Approved facility fees.
