Alva Review-Courier -

The superintendent of the Freedom schools told the board of education he felt full-time staff members of the Freedom schools deserved a one-time $1,000 stipend because he had added a couple of professional development days to their obligation. The board quickly approved the idea with a unanimous vote.

James Miller, the superintendent, welcomed Russell Reed back to the board. His term had expired and he filed again for his seat. No one else filed so no election will have to be held.

The superintendent submitted a proposed school calendar for the next school year. He said it was almost identical to this year's calendar, except for Easter weekend, which moves around each year. The first day of school for students will be Aug. 20, with teacher in-service days of Aug. 14-16. The Freedom Rodeo will be Aug. 16-18. The actual vote on the calendar will be at the January board meeting.

In financial matters, the district has cash of $783,789.48 with outstanding uncashed checks and warrants of $40,430.10, leaving a total available of $743,359.38.

Principal Michelle Shelite said six sophomores have taken a pre-ACT test. She said it appeared the students did well, although a couple were pretty fatigued at the end of the lengthy test. The results will be back in a couple of weeks.

She also noted the Christmas program will be Dec. 19, with two performances. One will be at 1:30 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m.

Shelite said enrollment is up to 77 students, with one more from Woodward scheduled to arrive this week.

Also, the principal announced that the DAR Good Citizenship has been awarded to Yamila Galindo.

She said two students have taken the ASVAB test, which is a preliminary for entering the military service.

The board has a month to think about the proposed dates for the annual senior trip. The superintendent said the suggested dates are May 21-27, 2018.

After handling nearly everything on the agenda in nine minutes, the board voted to enter into executive session for the superintendent evaluation with an agenda item after the executive session to rehire him.

When returning to open session, the board approved the evaluation and voted to offer a three-year extension to the superintendent's contract.