The Bluford Board of Education held its regular July meeting on Thursday, July 21. In personnel actions, the Board accepted the resignation of teacher, Bridget McConnell. Also, Ethan Gowler and Bob Hamerski stepped down as assistant high school baseball coaches. The district welcomes Madison Bock, who was hired as a second Agriculture teacher at Webber High School. The popularity of the program warrants a second position to be able to offer students a wider array of courses. Madison is a recent graduate of Murray State University. The district also employed Matthew Cox as the high school physical education teacher. We welcome both to the district! Additionally, Matt Hicks resigned as the assistant junior high baseball coach in order to be hired as the head junior high softball coach. Shannon Hefner was hired as the assistant junior high baseball coach and Josh Simmons was hired as the assistant junior high softball coach.
In other action items, the Board approved an annual IDOT transportation safety hazard resolution, which allows the district to transport all students regardless of their distance from the school. The Board accepted a milk bid presented by Prairie Farms and a fuel bid from Synenergy for gasoline at $3.64 per gallon. PRESS policy updates issue 109 were also adopted.
The district moved forward with approving the construction of a 36’x 80’ building for $44,299 at the new track complex which will consist of restrooms, concession space, as well as storage for the track equipment. Built-Mor Buildings will construct the building early this fall.
Lastly, the Board took action to develop consistency for junior high athletics. It was approved to limit participation in junior high athletics to grades five through eight. If after having tryouts with students in fifth through eighth grade there are not enough participants to field a team, coaches can open up a try out for students in fourth grade. This does not affect track as PeeWee meets in the county consist of students in grade four through six.
The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 18, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board office.