Alma School District

The meeting involved detailed discussions regarding proposed changes to Little League sports programs, focusing on ensuring maximum student involvement across basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer, while ensuring any changes are thoroughly researched. Key agenda items included the formal adoption of the existing policy manual as required by state rules, and the public disclosure of business relationships between the district and employees' affiliated companies, including a specific disclosure concerning a school board member's pumpkin patch business used for school groups. Furthermore, the board discussed and formally adopted procedures for funding travel for students participating in competitions, differentiating support for first-place qualifiers versus others. Finally, the inclusion of the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) questionnaire for at-risk students was added to the agenda for discussion after receiving feedback, clarifying the intent was to identify students needing support to build resilience, with possible future revisions to the questionnaire method.

The special board meeting primarily focused on personnel recommendations for coaching positions. The board considered and moved to employ Rusty Bush as the head football coach and Kim Weaver as the head volleyball coach. The discussion highlighted the extensive search process for both roles, noting Kim Weaver's dedication to building the volleyball program across all levels, and Rusty Bush's alignment with the existing staff's passion for the community. The board subsequently voted to approve both hires.

The meeting discussions included public feedback regarding the school's community image and the perceived effort to 'leveling off everyone.' Principal reports highlighted Thanksgiving activities, including pie tasting and a 'Christmas store' project that served as a math and social studies exercise, raising funds for the clothing fund, where one student won a drone. Safety protocols were reviewed, noting a successful fire drill evacuation time. Academic highlights included successful History Day competitions, participation in a chess tournament where several students placed highly, and upcoming Honor Choir performances for local nursing homes and the Children's Hospital. A significant portion of the discussion covered financial matters, specifically the approval of permanent adjustments to salary schedules for employees, funded by unbudgeted revenue increases primarily from enrollment growth, totaling approximately $250,000. Facility maintenance was also reviewed, detailing the ongoing LED light conversion project across various school buildings, which has resulted in an estimated $5,500 reduction in electric bills per year for completed areas. Additionally, the proposed school calendar for the following year was presented, largely mirroring the current year's structure.

The meeting commenced with the call to order for the March 2020 session and the approval of the February 2020 minutes, which involved a minor correction regarding executive session notation. Key discussion points included a special presentation by Greg Orange Darden from Cognia, recognizing Superintendent Wooley with the 2020 Excellence in Education Award for his leadership, particularly in promoting arts education and establishing the Alma Performing Arts Center. Reports highlighted numerous student achievements across various competitions, including Quiz Bowl, DECA, and Robotics, as well as student recognition for statewide awards. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the emerging impact of COVID-19, including the governor's proclamation granting the Secretary of Health authority to close schools, which resulted in immediate closures in several counties. The board discussed contingency plans, emphasizing the use of Google Classroom for academic continuity, while also preparing paper-based lessons for students lacking internet access. The session concluded with the recommendation for employment for Mr. Ernest Presley as the Senior High Defensive Coordinator, scheduled to be discussed in an executive session.

The meeting featured a presentation and discussion regarding the foreign exchange student program, noting an expansion from J1 to F1 visa statuses, with 17 students from 10 different countries present. Public comment included concerns about bullying on buses, the handling of student disciplinary issues, safety, and alleged harassment of a parent trying to address these matters. Another public comment focused on the lack of leadership within the school district, specifically regarding inconsistent consequences in athletics (football and cheerleading) and the organization of the Little League program, suggesting structural changes like appointing sport chairs and implementing player drafts to improve competition and coaching quality.