By L. Parsons In last week’s meeting, the Winslow Unified School District Governing Board recognized employees for outstanding work. Interim Superintendent Connie Gover read praises submitted by other employees describing the extra efforts each of these employees has made over the last quarter. January’s classified employee of the month was Linda Guerrero the secretary at Bonnie Brennan Elementary. Excerpts read by Gover said, “Linda is the rock of all that happens at Bonnie Brennan… She is kind and caring toward students,” adding, “She is well connected to our community and ensures that everyone has what they need- that includes staff, students and parents.” Guerrero will retire at the conclusion of the school year after more than 36 years with the school district. Other employees recognized were Michelle Jones, Winslow High School science teacher; Benny Yazzie, district custodian; Christopher Garrett, fifth grade teacher; Carl Turner, Washington Elementary School paraprofessional; Charlene Gile, WHS English teacher; Larissa Richards, Bonnie Brennan principal; and Kimberly Gould, long term substitute teacher at Winslow Junior High School. Principals from each elementary school addressed the governing board with updates on spring activities and in-person learning. Washington Elementary School principal Amanda Leonard began, “We are getting a lot more students back in-person, which is good. They are feeling safe and ready to return. They are also really positive and happy coming back.” Leonard also mentioned that Washington Elementary School would be hosting a student orchestra concert in the gymnasium. This will be a first for the school since the pandemic set in. Attendance for the concert will be limited. Leonard explained, “It will just be two parents per student but we will be streaming it if others would like to see it.” Richards looks forward to a robotics tournament at Bonnie Brennan and Jefferson Elementary School Principal Amber Martinez said her students are working toward meeting their reading goals. In other business, the governing board: * Ratified vouchers in a routine procedure that allows the board to submit vouchers to the county superintendent between meetings. * Approved the rehiring of staff district-wide for the 2021-22 school year in a routine procedure. * Approved the hiring of Reanna Walton as a paraprofessional at Bonnie Brennan and Lavinia Cody as a district counselor. * Approved the transfer of Christopher Garrett from fifth grade teacher to Washington Elementary School Special Education Inclusion teacher. * Accepted the resignation of Celeste Harnett, high school paraprofessional effective May 20. * Approved the insurance rate changes for employee insurance for the next school year in a routine procedure. * Approved the creation of a new position title of Secretary/Parent Liaison at WJHS. The position of liaison has been vacant for some time with the secretaries fulfilling those duties. The governing board agreed to remove the job listing for liaison and continue in this manner. The next meeting of the Winslow Unified School District Governing Board will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 21, in the board training room, located at 800 N. Apache Ave.
