Vernon, Jimenez gain valuable experience on BEST project
As interns for Howell Construction/Wold Architects & Engineers, Holyoke seniors Mason Vernon and Diego Jimenez gained tremendous experience while working on the school’s Building Excellenet Schools Today project this past spring and summer.
They reported on those experiences at the Nov. 2 school board meeting.
After an interview process last February, the two were selected for the internships. Communication was a key skill that both commented on from their experience on this project.
In highlighting his daily work, Vernon cited that he learned how to use tools properly, and also gained insight into the importance of teamwork, safety, flexibility and organization.
His work day began around 6 a.m. this summer, and he said he learned a lot about himself and his capabilities. He values the connections he made through the people he met and worked with, and he appreciated the opportunity.
Jimenez noted that he applied for the engineering internship and worked along with the lead carpenter. He appreciated the carpenter skills that he learned and the real-world experiences.
He started last March in recording the minutes of the weekly meetings with Howell/Wold representatives and the school district and said the process was a real mind-opening experience for him.
He said he gained perspective on how the corporate world works and also about the role that unions play in the United States.
While both Vernon and Jimenez note that they may not go into this field, they have gained skills that could garner summer employment opportunities and they have made lots of valuable connections.
Superintendent Kyle Stumpf said the two interns will always have stories to tell their family about their role in the school building project.
Enrollment down slightly
Citing preliminary numbers for the October count, Budget & Finance Director Ben Rahe noted that numbers are down slightly from a year ago. However, for funding purposes, he said he’s not overly concerned.
They will do a five-year average of student count to determine the funding base. Rahe also noted that the state originally projected $9,500 per student for funding, but that may be higher. The final calculation will come in early December.
Holyoke School District’s seat count looks to be 575 this year, down eight from the 2020 October count.
Total full-time equivalent student count this year looks to be 594.5, down from 605.5 last year.
Number of students qualifying for free and reduced lunches also impacts state funding. Rahe cited the efforts of the principals and secretaries at both buildings, as well as District Administrative Director Brenda Krueger, in pursuing applications for the free and reduced lunches.
Superintendent evaluation completed
The annual evaluation for the superintendent was announced as completed at last week’s board meeting.
A summary of the compiled responses of each board member in six domains that were evaluated showed an average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for Stumpf.
His average scores in each evaluated domain follow: instructional leadership, 3.75; leadership and personnel management, 3.40; budget and finance, 3.83; facilities management, 3.75; community outreach/E.C. activities, 2.75; and policy and governance, 3.50.
Other business
In other business at the Nov. 2 meeting, the school board:
— Noted that the deadline for applications for the two open board seats is Friday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. Interviews with applicants will be handled at the regular board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 16.
— Acknowledged gifts from Michael and Amanda Brown and family for a donation to the theater department for a keyboard patch designer and music tool, and from the Stan Fisher Memorial for money donated for a second handrail and lighting in the auditorium.
— Accepted the resignation of Aaron Sprague as JH assistant boys basketball coach.
— Approved the following coaching assignments: Marcus Kammer, assistant HS boys basketball; Kali Hines, head JH girls basketball; Colbey Stumpf, head JH boys basketball; and Corey Koberstein, assistant JH boys basketball.
— Gave first-reading approval to Colorado Association of School Boards policies presented Oct. 19 on the topics of nondiscrimination/equal opportunity, equal educational opportunities, and admission and denial of admission.
— Looked at revised CASB policies on open hiring/equal employment opportunity, professional staff recruiting/hiring, support staff recruiting/hiring, violent and aggressive behavior, bullying prevention and education, and student concerns, complaints and grievances.