Poynter hired as new second grade teacher
OROVILLE – Following the news Veranda Beach Resort’s homeowners association had raised several thousands of dollars for the Oroville Elementary, Superintendent Steve Quick announced that the resort had offered the use of the pool for swimming lessons for fourth graders.”
They had a big fund raiser with the goal of raising $5,000 to $6,000 to replace playground equipment and raised more like $15,000 to $16,000,” said Quick under “Good News and Announcements” at the Monday, Aug. 27 school board meeting.
The actual amount raised was more than $20,000.
“While we were talking they made an offer, they said why not use the pool for the fourth grade students to take lessons. We still need final approval from the members of the homeowners’ association,” said Quick, adding the district would have to provide instructors for the students.
“If we can educate them to swim we might same some lives,” Quick said.
“Or improve some lives,” said School Director Rocky DeVon.
In addition, Quick announced that the district had worked out an agreement with the City of Oroville on building a new press box, which, like the old one, will be located on city property. The district will have to apply for the proper building permits and for work done in close proximity of the Similkameen River.
“It won’t be happening now because football season is already starting, but will probably be ready in time for track season,” said Quick.
The superintendent explained to the board that the district would not be offering season passes to athletic events. “Everyone has to pay. The state auditor has ruled that if you give passes you are making a gift of ASB funds… it has become controversial,” said the superintendent.
“Just to let you know, the money all goes to the ASB and not to the district,” said Shay Shaw, the district’s financial manager.
The board voted to approve the rest of the agenda by consent, with the exclusion of Item T, which would allow eighth grade students to participate in high school athletics. This item was moved the end and approved as a one year pilot program (see last week’s G-T).
Items on the consent agenda included several hirings — Cynthia Poynter as a second grade teacher and DJ Pooler, Sharon Scott and Shannon Smith as paraprofessionals. Earlier in the meeting Supt. Quick said that all the teachers had been hired, but one resigned at the last minute – Cheri Wahl.
“We were worried we wouldn’t get enough interest at this close to the start of the school year, but we had five great candidates, any one of which could be hired. We hired Cynthia Poynter,” he said.
The board also approved the hiring of Stacey Hinze as head high school volleyball coach, Josh Marchand as assistant high school football coach and John Hilderbrand as groundskeeper from Aug. 6 through Oct. 2012.
In addition to approving the fourth grade swimming program agreement with Veranda Beach Resort, they also approved hiring Kaitlan Klepic and Tyler Schreckengast as swim instructors at $450 each.
The next meeting of the Oroville School Board will be Monday, Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at the district office located at 816 Juniper Street.
