Emery County students will go back to school on Aug. 20. They will find some new teachers and some upgrades to the schools. Canyon View Junior High has a new heating and air conditioning system.
The school board met in their final meeting before school begins. They discussed the opening institute which will take place on Aug. 19 with workshops from the state office of education on how to conduct the teacher evaluations. There will also be a lunch and benefits fair for the employees of the school district. This lunch will be at the recreation center park in Castle Dale.
A public hearing was held to gain input on the judgment levy the school district is imposing on the property tax revenue for 2013. The total amount the school district owes to PacifiCorp for a tax refund is $400,298. The tax impact on a $110,000 residence will be $12.28. The money will be refunded to PacifiCorp on Dec. 10 after the taxes come into the district.
The board voted to approve the final tax rates and the implementation of the judgment levy.
Superintendant Kirk Sitterud presented names for approval for the 2013-14 school year. Jason Passey was approved as the science teacher for San Rafael Junior High. He is a second year teacher and is working for a masters degree. Marcia Farnsworth and Marie Greenan have been approved as four hour custodians at Canyon View Junior High. Dustin Service was approved as the head custodian at Huntington Elementary. The district is currently looking for part time janitors at Emery High.
Anita Bennion and Mikelle Singleton have been approved as aides to track student progress at San Rafael Junior High. These positions are paid for with school trustland funds. Amanda Bjarnson and Brandi Tuttle have been approved as preschool assistants. Bart Cox was approved as a substitute bus driver. Kari Ewell was approved as a volunteer drill team advisor. The coaches list was approved. Emery High is still looking for a head wrestling coach. A teacher is needed in Green River to teach career and technology education.
The board adopted a policy for absence from work for non-benefitted employees.
Business Administrator Jared Black read the annual asbestos notification. This is required to be read in board meeting and published in the newspaper. Each school has their own asbestos plan and each year problem areas are remediated. A copy of the plan may be read at each school or at the district maintenance office.
Superintendant Sitterud said they received a letter of retirement from Dixie Allred in the school lunch program. They received a letter of resignation from Ken Crowson of Green River High in the CTE program. He has taken a position in Texas.
The shop at Green River High may need to be closed temporarily until the position is filled. If there is someone qualified in the community then something could be worked out to keep the shop open.
Loni Meadows has resigned as an aide at the Bookcliff Elementary kindergarten. The position may not be refilled and funds may be used for materials for the program. Only 11 children have signed up for kindergarten at Bookcliff Elementary this year to date.
At the Emery High registration the survey of all sports and activities was passed out to students to complete and return. This survey will determine if there is enough interest in girls golf and boys and girls soccer for the programs to be considered at the high school.
Back to school
"Emery High football holds a scrimmage game on Thursday. The season will begin with a game on Aug. 23 at home at 7 p.m. against Summit Leadership Academy. The team will then be on the road for games at Grand, Delta and Richfield before returning home on Sept. 20 for a game against Morgan."