MIKE McCORMICK
Staff Writer
Meeker’s Board of Education this week approved hiring some new teachers and teacher Aides and heard from principals that enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year is up.
Without going into executive session, board members hired Jordan Sullins and Robyn Smith as elementary teachers.
They also employed Barbara Coble and Misty Shouse as elementary school Aides and Sandy Turner as a high school Aide.
Adjunct teachers hired included Pat Hargus, Government, Phillip Hogan, Secondary Science (8th grade Science and High School Earth Science) and Ginger Pritchard for Chemistry.
Board members also accepted the resignation of Paige Fullbright, elementary school Aide.
During their reports, the principals advised the board school enrollment has increased over a year ago.
High School Brad Buxton said his numbers are up seven or eight, adding, “We may have some more coming.” Total enrollment as of Monday was 216.
Middle School Principal Rodney Treat reported Monday evening his enrollment numbers stood at 163, an increase from 144 a year ago and said, “Some more are coming tomorrow (the next day).
Elementary Principal Candice Gatz noted, “And they just keep coming.”
Her enrollment was 335 and she expected more this week.
Virginia Pritchard, Meeker Education Center/ Alternative Education Principal, told the board, “Overall we are at 58 students, the same number as of this time a year ago. But we ended up with 94 by the end of the year,” she said.
The board approved an increase of adult and student meal prices for the 2022-2023 school year.
School Supt. Jeff Pruitt explained, “The proposed increase is requested in order to meet the required guidelines through the USDA school lunch program.”
Adult breakfast went from $1.90 to $2.30, adult lunch from $4.15 to $4.85, adult snack $1.08 to $1.25.
Elementary breakfast is up from $1 to $1.15. high school/middle school breakfast from $1.25 to $1.40, elementary student lunch from $1.90 to $2.60 and high school/middle school student lunch from $2.05 to $2.75.
In other business, the board: Approved updates to the district’s CLEP Plan.
Approved a transfer of $18,632.51 from the general fund to child nutrition fund.
Approved a contract for Secondary Career and Technology Education Programs for 2022-2023.
And approved several policy updates.