School board makes new hires

The Comanche Board of Education met in a regular session on July 11.

The board approved various routine consent agenda items including the minutes of the regular board meeting held in June, activity fund reports, and the treasurer’s report. The board also approved various designations and authorizations for federal programs. Also approved were FY-23 and FY-24 encumbrances in the general fund, building fund, 2023 bond fund, and the child nutrition fund.

The board accepted the superintendent’s recommendation to rehire individuals who were emergency certified last year and are working towards standard certificates. The board approved hiring adjunct instructors for ASL- Sonya Kimbro, Art- Krystal Solis, an elementary position-Leann Pollock, biology- Connor Kelly, and physical science- Anthony Alvarado.

The board approved the recommendation of the hiring of Braydon Robinson for the high school girls basketball/instructor position and Jennifer White for the high school girls softball coach/instructor position.

Bills shared that while the district still has a few positions open she is excited about the opportunity to welcome these two individuals to the Comanche Indian family and can’t wait to see where they take the programs. Bills said, “We have a talented group of young ladies and I believe these coaches will be an asset to their development as athletes and as individuals.”

The board approved amending the calendar to include an additional Activity/Inclement Weather Day as the district will add five minutes to the elementary day and 13 minutes to the high school and middle school day.

This change will allow the high school and middle school schedule to move to an eight-period day which will allow for the inclusion of a flex time and HS athletics during the school day. This may help with the attraction of coaching staff and hopefully an increase in student participation.

This change will allow for students not to miss an academic class when earlier dismissal for traveling is required.

The middle school will have an academic achievement period incorporated into the end of their day to allow for remediation and enrichment. This change will also allow for afternoon career-tech students to stay at RRTC for the complete afternoon session. Students may also have the opportunity to take additional electives while reducing the need for virtual classes. The start time will stay the same and the dismissal time will be adjusted accordingly, elementary at 3:10 p.m. and high school and middle school at 3:18 p.m.

Contract amounts for certified and non-certified 12-month employees were approved.

Jason Schreiner, the high school principal gave an update on his first week at the district. He is working on an internship program with local businesses for upperclassmen.

Bills shared with the board the district’s common goals. The two areas of focus are continuations of last year’s goals - advocacy and communication.

Bills discussed with the board the need to reduce the number of students taking virtual classes due to the limited staff to monitor the virtual classes and to have students on campus to improve student involvement at the high school level.

Students taking virtual classes will be on an individual basis based on a medical need.