Director Julie Albright also ends her time on the school board
The Medical Lake School District board of directors approved an increase in the sports and season ticket prices for the 2013-14 school year.
Among the reason for the increase includes the district needing two officials instead of three for basketball.
“We’ve had a lot of increases in officials costs,” Veltri said.
The price increase, she said, is also issue for auditors who might look at the lower ticket prices as a gift of public funds.
“We need to be comparable to other school districts in the state,” Veltri said.
The school board also approved the layoff of one classified staff member, a language interpreter. Veltri said there were two interpreters in the district last year, and one student aided by an interpreter graduated.
“The person who has the most seniority is losing her student, so she’ll work down to work with the younger student,” she said. “So we just don’t need two, because of changes in students’ needs.”
The school board also approved the surplus of a 1990 Blue Bird bus, which needs a new transmission.
Another set of items surplused includes some dance and cheer uniforms, shirts, tops and other clothing. Athletics director Chris Spring said the items were over 10 years old and not in sellable condition.
Among the housekeeping items included approval of a rollover of bids with Darigold and Food Services of America, following many other districts in Spokane County.
Medical Lake resident Mark Hudson returned to the school board to see where it stood on his inquiry a few months ago, regarding providing a critical analysis of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution in Medical Lake classrooms. Hudson offered his services to the board if it was interested in finding some well-researched critical works that presented credible questions about Darwin’s work.
Director of teaching and learning Dan Mueller received several congratulatory remarks at the meeting, as he was set to retire at the end of June.
Toward the conclusion of the meeting, director Julie Albright announced that the evening’s school board meeting would be her last. Albright cited a loss of passion and time for the position, noting that her work schedule had been increasing as of late. She said serving on the board was a privilege and honor.
“The board is the check and balance for community standards,” she said, highlighting the work done by others throughout the years.
Her announcement was a shock to many on the board and in the administration.
“This is a big surprise,” board of directors president Rod Von Lehe said. “I appreciate all you’ve done.”
“You really added to the board,” director Peggy Schweikhardt said.
The school board held an executive session at the end of its regular meeting to perform Veltri’s annual evaluation.
James Eik can be reached at james@cheneyfreepress.com.
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