Plenty of Action at Altamont School Board Work Weekend

Altamont school officials and school board members held a Work Weekend, addressing a variety of issues.

The Board heard a transportation update from Mark Holland on advertising for drivers and whether high school students should be considered, and heard from Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Kris Biggs on coaching updates and an update on clubs.

High School Principal Peggy Bueker reported on pursuit of a candidate for an Industrial Arts position and other staffing updates, as well a FFA update, news on the Science department, and the distance learning lab. Grade School Principal Doug Hill also gave staffing updates.

Alan Whitt gave maintenance and facility update including planned summer work, a potential lighting project, HVAC at the junior high building and a gym floor redo at the grade school.

Altamont Superintendent Casey Adam discussed proposed dates for next school year, a curriculum mapping initiative for this school year, staff professional development for next school year as well as a curriculum committee focus for next year. She also shared an administrative team update, logo and school branding projects, school meals, the school website and technology matters.

The Board set graduation for May 14 at 2pm. Also approved were non-tenured teacher contract renewals for Lindsey Wendling, Marissa Pike, Kimberly Splechter, Kyle Bourgeois, Mildred Cowger, Frankie Jenkins, Jordan Leihser, Johanna Hooks, Larry Blevins, Robbie Kline, Alex Walden, Tessa Philpot and Morgan Hall; and tenured contracts with Jarielle Cameron, Lisa Reardon, Wayne Bloemer, Brittany Painter and Lindsey Van Blaricum. 

Board members also approved transfers of Eric Heiden from Special Education to junior high Social Studies, Amy Miller from paraprofessional to first grade teacher, Kyle Bourgeois from 4th grade to 6th grade teacher, and Frankie Jenkins from 6th grade to 5th grade teacher. The Board also accepted a resignation from Katie Lurkins as 7th grade girls basketball coach and from Jeff Walton as head soccer coach, and employed Tessa Philpot as head volleyball coach next school year. Action on 12-month employee contracts was tabled until the March meeting.

The Board also approved the school year calendar for next school year.