Julie Johnson has been South Barber USD 255's Board Clerk/Business Manager for over 20 years. The board's agenda for their October 12 meeting included Johnson's retirement effective October 1, 2022. Board member Bryan Quick said, "She (Johnson) will be impossible to replace." The board "regretfully" accepted the beloved clerk's retirement.

The board met on Tuesday instead of their traditional Monday because of Columbus Day. President Mark Pollock called the meeting to order with all members present including: Quick, Deb Helfrich, Jenna Mostert, Mike Miller, Ryan Molz and Emily Lohmann. Superintendent Dr. Mylo Miller also sat at the board table along with Luke MacKinney, IT Director and deputy board clerk. Elementary Assistant Principal Kaynette Scheck also attended. Grade 7-12 Principal Brent Shaffer was at a school event.

Randy Ford presented USD255's financial audit which was good. The board approved the audit.

Hirings, Stipends and More

Savanah Coggins received the board's approval as the Junior High Girls Basketball Head Coach.

The board accepted the resignation of Alexis Shaffer as girls' assistant junior high basketball coach. They approved Jessica Swonger to fill that position.

Winter stipends of $100 will be given to each employee of USD255.

The board approved a local dance studio, Studio Pro, to hold their Christmas Recital in the auditorium at the high school on Dec. 15.

Discussion ensued among board members about an agenda item Shaffer suggested. He would like to add some black to the football helmets of the jr/hi Tornadoes. He said it would save money on helmets .No action was taken.

Board members discussed at length the approval of students 1-10 in quarantine for exemption. The superintendent explained he works with the state auditor regarding students in quarantine and how to educate them – either remote learning or one-on-one with a teacher on the phone.

Relief Money to Fund Capital Outlay Projects

Dr. Miller reminded the board they need to prioritize a list of Capital Outlay projects. He said USD255 has already received $345,000 in ESSER3 money. That stands for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief.

Some of the project possibilities mentioned are: HVAC units at the 7-12 building; an activity bus; a concession stand, etc.

Elementary Book Fair Results in Pie in Face for Superintendent

At the meeting Scheck reported the elementary book fair was a huge success. At that point she said they had already raised $1,800 in the regular sales. Most important, the change challenge, where students brought change in hopes of their class raising the most brought in over $1,000. Connie Rooks kindergarten class raised the most with $229. The prize for the class raising the most money was an opportunity to smash a pie in Dr. Miller's face and Taten Graves was randomly selected out of kindergarten to do the honors.

The superintendent was a great sport as his face dripped with whipped cream. He thanked Title I Reading Specialist Katy Hughes and all the volunteers who made this year's Book Fair a big success. He told the Newsgram Tuesday that the Book Fair ended up raising $4,600.

HPV Vaccinations

Two women from NWOSU visited the meeting to make a presentation about improving the HPV vaccination rate in Barber County. They are Dr. Patricia Thompson and student Madison Reed who is in pursuit of her doctoral degree as a family nurse practitioner. She's finishing her clinicals at Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital.

As part of her final project Reed wants to improve the vaccination rate against HPV in Barber County. She said the HPV Vaccine is the only vaccine that is effective at preventing cancer (cervical cancer for one.) Yet, Barber County's current HPV vaccination rate is five percent for males age 11-18. The rate is 11 percent for girls age 11-18.

Reed requests that South Barber's board partner with the Barber County Health Department and conduct a school-based vaccination clinic at the high school. After discussion, the board approved the request. Quick cast the single no vote.