July School Board Notes

Chris S. Coray, reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah. July 20, 2016.The Rich school board held its monthly meeting.  All members were present.

Board policies 304 and 304.1 were ratified.  They had been approved in a previous meeting.

The next item was a discussion of student fees for a variety of things, such as every student must pay $30.00 for each sport and a $10.00 book fee.  The argument for the book fee was to encourage students to take care of the books.  There may be some reimbursement at year’s end for books in good condition.  Principal Larsen was questioned about the athletics fees.  He said, “Research shows students in sports do better academically”.  No studies were produced as sources for the statement. 

There is an expected shortfall in sports fees vs. sports expenses of about $5,000 this year.  A 4 sport student would have $120 in student fees, but the fees do not cover all the costs.

Richard Clark, district administrator, observed, when asked, that the annual shortfall in the cost of regular student meals when balanced against revenue was about $75,000 per year, which has not dramatically changed.

The board voted to shut down the audio call in program for board meetings as there have been very few people using the feature (in some cases, none).

Weston Taylor was appointed as an internal academic counselor and also an IT manager.  Suzanne Siddoway and Hasee Gifford were appointed as lunch cook assistants at the middle school.

Pete Cornia, board chairman, left the meeting at this time. The remaining members voted to hire Cooper Cornia as new assistant football coach.  The vote was 4-1 in favor, with board member Huefner dissenting.  Pete Cornia returned to the meeting.

The board reviewed the USHAA guidelines for participation in athletics and compliance with drug and alcohol use restrictions.  They board was comfortable with the USHAA guidelines, which apply only to athletic participation, not general conduct apart from athletics.

The next board meeting was set for August 17, 2016, at 6 pm in Randolph.