The Dale Board of Education this week hired several teachers and approved capacity numbers for the beginning of the new school year.
Following a fairly brief executive session, board members returned to open meeting and hired four new teachers for 2022-2023 including Anita Morgan, Gail Black, Adrienne Wootten and Alex Benito.
They also hired Ben Parker as an elementary paraprofessional and Deborah Haffey as cafeteria staff.
The board members approved the policy handbook and voted to participate in an alternative education program with Bethel Public Schools.
Fundraisers were approved for the FFA from Aug 15-28; for the elementary school between Sep. 6-18 and band from Oct. 10-25.
New School Supt. Will Jones, who officially took over his duties on July 1, said the school year begins on Wednesday, Aug. 10. Teachers and staff report this Friday, Aug. 5.
He explained the capacity numbers for the beginning of the school year is required, and those numbers mus be reviewed at least quarterly. He indicated they may need to be reviewed and adjusted more frequently.
Jones, during his report to the board, pointed to school safety. Saying there was already a good program in place, he noted, “we’re making a few changes. We’re trying to keep as many doors locked as possible,” he said.
On another matter, he advised the board, “It’s time to make a change with our custodial company. We have two companies who have given us a quote. It’s a little more expensive,” he said, but Jones further indicated it was time to change.
“We’re short a custodian,” he stated. “This company would hire their own people, come in at night and is prepared to start Aug. 8,” he told board members.
Jones also provided financial figures indicating the district is a little ahead of a year ago at this time.