Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

In a special Staunton Board of Education meeting held on Monday, March 14, Educational Services Coordinator Nancy Werden asked the board of education to approve Staunton High School’s participation in three Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. One of the CTE courses partners with Southwestern CUSD #9, in offering virtual classes for students choosing to enter into a pathway toward becoming an educator. Werden recommended that the board approve the addition of Certified Nursing Assistant classes offered at the Litchfield Lincoln Land satellite campus, and an Emergency Medical Technician program offered at the Fire Department in Litchfield. While these programs would be available to Staunton CUSD #6 students, there are a limited number of seats available.

In other items of new business, the board of education reviewed bids for diesel fuel and gasoline for the upcoming fiscal year. After discussion and review of the submitted bids, the board approved M&M Service’s bid to supply diesel fuel at a set price of $3.579 a gallon and gasoline at a set price of $3.354 a gallon for the period between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023. Also, Educational Services Coordinator Nancy Werden reported that the district was officially a recipient of the EPA Grant to provide $20,000 for the purchase of a new bus. The district is set to receive $40,000 to aid in the purchase of two new buses.

Under old business, Jim Helton, a representative with the IASB superintendent search firm, informed the board of education on the results of the surveys distributed to members of the faculty, parents and community members regarding the traits required for the next superintendent. Helton also worked with the members of the board to finalize the Announcement of Vacancy pamphlet for distribution. Helton and the school board also tentatively finalized dates in late April and early May to conduct interviews for the selected applicants. The goal is to have the next superintendent employed by the end of May with a start date of July 1, 2022.

The board approved the employment of Ava Ostendorf as a long-term substitute to fill a maternity leave at the elementary school.