ELLINWOOD — At a meeting with a light agenda, the USD 355 Ellinwood School Board celebrated successes at its regular meeting on Monday.
Superintendent Ben Jacobs said he had received many compliments on the upgrades to the track and football field. The new sound system is working well.
The district upgraded bleachers, the track, fencing, and the sound system this summer.
He praised all of the staff and the work over the past few years. “Last Friday was a significant victory for our district,” said Jacobs. “It’s a culmination of four years worth of work.”
Adding the cherry to the top, he said, the school won its first football game in a couple of years. Plus, sales at the gate set records in the past four years.
He thanked all employees, but especially the custodians and the technology staff. “The whole staff pulled it off,” he said.
Jacobs asked the board for a consensus decision to look at costs to upgrade the press box and storage to complete the facility. He said it is out of date and doesn’t fit well with the new upgrades. It is showing its age.
The board approved three additional change orders. This includes four added gates, the installation of handrails in front of the home bleachers, and a few more feet of track.
In other business, the district has also met a goal of its Strategic Plan with the rollout of K-12 iPads. This fall, every student in the district received an iPad. The district planned on the rollout over a year ago.
In his report, Jacobs said enrollment overall was flat this year. Enrollment is up five students at Ellinwood Grade School.
Ellinwood High School Principal Shawn Henderson reported that the new policy changes in regards to lockers, book bags and cell phones have gone over very well.
“Many students have commented that they appreciate not having to carry around so many books,” said Henderson. “I felt the changes have made an immediate impact for good.”
The new athletic director, Derek Schoenthaler, has organized Eagle Backers, a booster club for athletics. Levels of memberships are available.
The board approved:
•Hiring Head Cheer/Dance Coach Lori Caspers; and Debate Assistant Angela Peterson;
•Accepted the resignation of Ruth Ann Quade, library aide.