Haxtun Schools prepares for students' return

The Haxtun Board of Education took care of a number of housekeeping items just ahead of a new school year during a mid-July board meeting. Members also heard staff reports of facility updates over the summer in preparation for students return this fall.

The July 18 meeting opened in the high school band room with approval of the consent agenda and staff reports. In her information to the Board of Education, Superintendent Marsha Cody told members the District is still seeking individuals for a number of positions for the 2023-24 school year including a special education teacher. Over the summer, Haxtun hired Tara Scott to fill that role, however, since then, she has turned in a resignation, causing another vacancy. Other positions open in Haxtun include a part-time band teacher, para-professionals and bus drivers, both for route and activities.

Elementary Principal Becky Heinz gave an update on a number of projects in the building over the summer. She said staff has been working on a cafeteria makeover. The area has been painted and will feature new high back chairs and bench seating.

“We are going with a Bulldog Bistro theme and working with Chartwells on signage,” her report said.

Additionally, work has been taking place in the preschool area of the elementary building. According to Heinz, the two rooms have new paint and flooring and new plumbing and cabinets should be going in towards the end of the July.

Heinz added that due to new UPK guidelines, Haxtun will have one morning and one afternoon preschool class this year.

“The second preschool room will be used as a meeting and intervention room,” she said in her report. “It will be easily adapted to an additional preschool room if needed.”

In her junior high/high school report, new Principal Amanda Ridlen said staff have been busy updating handbooks for staff and students as well as athletic handbooks. She added that almost all classrooms have been cleaned and are ready for teachers.

“I have seen almost every teacher at the school working on their rooms and preparing for the new year,” her report said. “It is wonderful to see such dedication at the school.”

Ridlen and secondary Counselor Sharon Seger are in the process of meeting with high school students to set up class schedules. She said several more student/staff meetings are scheduled for later in the month and once all of those meetings have taken place, she can begin to make adjustments to the schedule to make sure classes are even.

“Our goal is the best teaching and learning environment for all of our classes,” Ridlen said.

Later in the meeting, the BOE approved removing former Board Member Audree Edwards and former Principal Dustin Seger from signing authority on District Accounts and adding new board members and Ridlen to necessary paperwork.

Board members also approved resignations from the following: Andy Wernsman as junior high assistant football coach; Jayden Steib as junior high boys’ head basketball coach; Owen Knode as junior high boys’ assistant basketball coach; Maddie Melvin as junior high assistant volleyball coach; and Tara Scott as GT Coordinator and Special Education Teacher.

The following individuals were hired for the 2023-24 school year: Emily Bazan, Assistant Special Education Teacher; Havilah Andersen as GT Coordinator and Interventionist; Emma Roll as High School Math Teacher; and Dena Gerk as part-time reading and math interventionist.

The next Haxtun Board of Education meeting is slated for Monday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m.