LGISD Talks Libraries, Superintendent’s Hiring Authority

The La Grange School board held their April meeting Monday. Here are some highlights:

Comments from the Public

Deanna Lowrey-Green spoke to the board about how important libraries are to the students of LGISD. She stated that “Libraries provide personal access to books and other materials and the benefits of a robust library staffed by certified librarians are numerous.”

She made several points:

• Reading is education. Numerous studies have shown that students having access to libraries is associated with higher test scores.

• Libraries are often a student’s first introduction to research.

• Libraries teach responsibility. You have to keep up with your library book and return it to get another one.

• Libraries provide an opportunity to read for fun.

• Reading is empowerment. When students read a book from a different perspective they are able to view the world through a broader lens.

Special Recognition

After the comments, the meeting continued with a performance like no other. Jose Estrada, a La Grange High School band trumpet, player performed his state qualifying piece for the board. At the end of his performance, he received a standing ovation.

Administrative Reports

Superintendent Andy McHazlett reported that the current enrollment is 1,879 students, which is up by about ten students from this time last year. The current attendance rate is 94.42 percent. The Senior Academic Recognition Banquet is scheduled for Wednesday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Casino Hall in La Grange.

Amy McCord, La Grange Elementary School librarian, gave an update on the school library. Her presentation included the following information: 1. Schools with strong library programs show increased test scores.

2. Strong library programs improve student literacy by increasing intrinsic motivation to read.

3. Reading reduces stress. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Eilers reported that the online portal is open for registration.

Director of Operations Sharon Muzny reported that the new maintenance director will start soon. She also gave an update on the HVAC replacement for the High School and Middle School. There was only one bid received for each of the two projects. Leon’s Electric & Plumbing bid $317,713 for the high school portion and $150, 883 for the middle school portion for a total of $468,596. The district will supplant ESSER funds for the cost of this project.

Amendment to Hiring Authority

The board approved a change to the policy concerning hiring authority. The original policy reads: The superintendent has sole authority to make recommendations to the board regarding the selection of contractual personnel. The board retains final authority for employment on contractual personnel.

Because of the teacher shortage, competition between districts to hire quality employees is at an all time high. Not having to wait until a scheduled board meeting to offer a contract to a prospective employee will give the district an advantage in hiring. The board approved an addition to the hiring policy. The new policy now reads:

The superintendent has sole authority to make recommendations to the board regarding the selection of contractual personnel. The board retains final authority for employment on contractual personnel; however from April 15th – August 15th of every year, the board delegates that authority to the superintendent, who must inform the board of all hires. The final hiring authority for employment of contractual personnel will revert back to the board on August 16th of every year.

New Hires and Resignations

Several personnel changes were approved at Monday night’s board meeting. Professional staff contracts were extended to David Cooperhigh school math; Kristen Denham-middle school math; and Brodney Pool-high school DAEP/coach. Two teachers changed teaching assignments: Madison Castellano will change from 6th grade math to 5th grade math, and Kim Jobb will change from 5th grade math to middle school math intervention.

Paraprofessional hires included: Nancy Fritsch Tielsch – Interim child nutrition supervisor; Ruth McLaughlin – bus operator; Maria Orona – bus operator; Mayra Jandres – high school cafeteria worker; Cindy Huenefeld – transfer from accounting & technology support assistant to accounts payable.

Resignations were received from the following Morris Farr – high school DAEP; Cedric Hampton – high school science teacher; Sean Henkel – high school computer science teacher; Matthew Kates – athletic director; Janna McHazlett – 5th grade reading teacher; Reagan Watson – elementary physical education teacher/coach; Samantha Wischnewsky – 1st grade teacher; Denise Salinas – child nutrition director; and Izela Cerda – afterschool care counselor.

With the dissolving of the CRC (Colorado River Cooperative) the following resignations were received from those employed by organization: Sue Borel – diagnostician; Morgan Bubela – occupational therapist; Katherine Pena – diagnostician; Oladunni Raji – diagnostician; Crystal Roberts – Speech Pathologist; Pam Snyder – ARD facilitator; Sara Swearingen – ARD facilitator; and Kathy Toensing – transitions specialist.

E-Rate Vendors/Contracts LGISD participates in the Universal Service Administration Company Schools and Libraries E-rate program, the district is allowed to purchase network-related services, including internet service, fiber and network hardware at a discount. The discount is based on the district’s participation in the free and reduced lunch program counts. The 2023-24 school year discount is 80%.

There are two categories that qualify for e-rate funds. Category 1 provides for internet access for all district buildings and category 2 provides network structure for student instructional areas.

There are no category 1 projects for the 2023-34 school year. There are three category 2 projects for the 2023-34 school year.

1. Connect the fiber network from LHS/LHS fieldhouse to both the baseball and softball fields to allow for better communication. Colorado Valley Communications will install the fiber and InTech Southwest Services will install the hardware. The total cost for this project is $43,246.00, but with the 80% discount, the cost is $8,649.20.

2. Additional access points throughout the district to fill dead/dark WiFi locations. InTech Southwest Services will install. The total cost is $29,880.00, but with discount $5,997.60.

3. Rewire the LMS computer lab as current wiring is outdated for current type of use. InTech Southwest Services will install. The total cost is $16,069.00, but with discount is reduced to $3,213.80.