The West Prairie District 103 board of education met in regular session Wednesday, April 22. Major issues under discussion were preparation and approval of a transportation handbook, sale of property and ongoing sports co-op discussions with Southeastern District 337. In addition, several staff changes, retirements and resignations were approved.
After the bus tragedy in the Rushville-Industry schools, districts have begun to codify more specific language and requirements for transportation providers, creating a transportation handbook. At present, the final form of West Prairie's handbook is still being crafted. The board then approved putting the finalized form of the transportation handbook on first reading.
The board tabled action on a purchase agreement with Ameren to acquire a 50'x150' plot of ground adjacent to their substation west of the bus barn for a backup switching station. Superintendent Paula Markey would like to have attorney approval of the agreement before the board takes any action.
A considerable amount of the meeting time was taken in reviewing ongoing conversations with the Southeastern District 337 regarding co-oping sports programs. Of concern is whether to include the girls volleyball and boys basketball programs with the current four sports that are shared (football, girls basketball, girls softball and boys baseball). Other sports such as golf, track and cross country were also included in the discussion. It was agreed that more coordination between the two districts and with their respective communities needs to take place, especially regarding the volleyball and basketball programs. At present, numbers of players in both schools' programs are significantly large; coaches have expressed interest in creating freshman, junior varsity and varsity teams in both sports to allow for more student participation.
On employment issues, the board approved maternity leaves for Audrey Nofziger and Emily Ebey, and accepted the resignations of early childhood teacher Abi Gregg and elementary teacher Danielle Phillips. The following transfers were approved: Amanda Peters from South Elementary special education teacher to Jr/Sr High School special education teacher. Cristine Purdy from South Elementary early childhood teacher to South Elementary special education teacher. Brittany Stambaugh from South Elementary paraprofessional to South Elementary early childhood teacher. Ashley Fayhee from South Elementary second grade teacher to kindergarten teacher. Patty Clark from South Elementary to Jr/Sr High School math teacher.
