A glance at a possible school calendar for the 2024-25 year showed board members at their committee session this week that next year could look pretty much like this year.
Supt. Alfred Simmons handed out a schedule Monday night for members to consider but emphasized that it is up to the board rather than the superintendent to set the school calendar. This is generally done in February or March so that families can begin making travel plans.
Similarities suggested include opening school with a five-day week until Labor Day then going back to four days. One difference will be the Presidential Election Day, November 5, when schools must be closed.
Simmons observed that he believes people like the calendar and the timing as it is running this year. But there is not enough data in yet that would drive any changes. “I’m not asking you to approve anything at this point. This is just informational.”
Committee members will also be on the search for a new maintenance manager for the school district. The superintendent announced that manager Mark Maxwell has announced his retirement in February. The board heard that the position entails “more than fixing and maintaining around our schools. There’s also acquisition and delivery of supplies and materials.”
Discussed by the members is the level of training the board desires for this post. Simmons showed the board labor-only costs of bringing in licensed vendors for some of the specialized work like electrical or plumbing. “When we can, we do it ourselves.” But often the demands or risks are too high and professional service is required.
When board members asked about hiring a HVAC-certified manager to handle those situations, they heard it’s a money issue. Last time there were two certified applicants but when they heard the salary offer, they walked away. The range was reported in the $30,000’s for starting without experience up to the $50,000’s with time and experience.
Joe Llaine Long said maybe the board would be fortunate to find someone who is certified, near retirement and ready to move closer to home. In response to a question by Lance Underwood, members heard that the individual would need to be a combination of hands-on worker and “pencil pusher” since he’d be handling acquisitions, distributions and the entailed record-keeping. “We’ll keep our fingers crossed,” said Underwood. “We’ve got to try.”