RE-1 Board Deadlocks, 6-Man Football Proposal Defeated
Declining enrollment leads to proposed change.
October 31, 2003
The Kiowa County School District RE-1 Board of Education met in regular session Tuesday night with board members Keith Crow, Marlynn Eikenberg, Ralph Berry, Larry Watts, John Weirich, and Bill Woelk present. Board member Marty Miller was absent.
Larry Gifford, athletic director, submitted a written summary of the fall sports season. The report also included a list of reasons, prepared by Shawn Randel, to switch to 6-man football from the current 8-man team. The primary reason was declining enrollment, which has resulted in an insufficient number of players to remain competitive. Later in the meeting board members discussed the issue at length with Gifford and Randel. Gifford concurred with Randel’s recommendation, stating that it is becoming obvious that Eads is not as competitive as in the past. Based upon a review of future enrollment, Gifford recommended switching to 6-man football now, rather than waiting two more years. Randel’s enrollment projections through 2011 show that the school would belong in the lower bracket. Superintendent Glenn Smith stated the proposal was valid and needs to be reviewed, but there would not be time to get community input – an application would have to be made Wednesday to CHSAA in order to be approved for the next two-year cycle. Gifford apologized for the short time frame. He had originally understood that the district would have until mid-January to make a decision. A motion was made by Berry, seconded by Eikenberg, to approve switching to 6-man football. Crow, Eikenberg and Berry voted in favor of the motion; Watts, Weirich and Woelk voted against. Due to the tie, the motion failed. Randel then stated that the change would likely be proposed again in two years. Woelk felt that the board would get feedback from the public about the proposed change.
High School Principal Christie Graham submitted a written report to the board. In it she stated that Mrs. Vasquez has been working with seniors in the College Prep class, and a majority of the students have submitted applications to at least five schools, and also spend many hours researching scholarship opportunities. Parents will be offered help in February to complete the FASFA form, which helps determine eligibility for financial assistance. Information has been sent to parents of all junior student regarding the Daniels College Prep and Scholarship Program, which is geared toward students who are not at the top of their class and may have some financial challenges getting in to college. Most students meet the financial guidelines to be accepted in to the program.
Smith also submitted a written superintendent’s report, which stated that the district has been awarded a grant for $115,940 to replumb the elementary building, replace all fixtures and remodel the restrooms. The district will match the funds with $20,460. Parent-teacher conferences for the first quarter were set for Thursday night and Friday morning.
Smith also reported to the board that the Colorado Colleges of Higher Education have unilaterally raised their standards of eligibility for college enrollment beginning with the class of 2008. In high school, students will be required to have four math classes (algebra 1 or higher), three science classes (two with lab settings), three English classes and three social studies electives. Beginning with 2010, the minimum requirements will also include two years of foreign language study. Smith stated he felt the district should leave its recently adjusted standards as they are, and involve parents, beginning with a student’s junior year, in helping decide what path to take.
The board received a clean preliminary audit report, which noted continued improvement in the district’s financial position. The district has almost reached its goal of have $500,000 in carry-over at the beginning of a school year, which covers three months of expenses.
The board approved purchasing a 14 passenger bus for the vocational agriculture program. After two years, the district will be reimbursed for 40 to 50 percent of the purchase price.
The meeting was closed to the public at 7:55 p.m. so the board could privately discuss personnel and administrative issues. Public discussions resumed at 8:24 p.m., and the board did not appear to take action on any topic discussed privately.
Board member approved accepting a gift of video equipment from the Recreational District, with a value of up to $5,000. The equipment will be used to transmit images from the high school gymnasium to the multipurpose room/concession area.
Smith reported that the districted received a $15,186 federal rural achievement grant.
The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held November 18, which will include swearing in new board members.