The Board of Directors of the Lone Tree Community School District gave an update on personnel changes during their monthly scheduled meeting on August 16. 

They reported on two resignations and one hire. 

Mikie Tharp was hired to be a Paraprofessional, a teacher’s assistant who can perform teaching-related tasks. Resigning from their positions were Avery Knock and Greg Schooley. Knock was the head high school baseball coach and Schooley was the assistant high school baseball coach. 

These resignations come after a Lone Tree baseball season where they ended their year with a 1-19 record. The board also discussed that they are still seeking to hire teaching staff for math, ESL, and TAG. The personnel report was approved by the board.

Facilities 

Placed on the agenda for the purpose of continuing the conversation about this subject, the Board discussed a second bid for the HVAC system master plan. Superintendent Tyler Hotz spoke about communicating with a contact on August 21 for a second bid on the HVAC. 

He also spoke about community involvement, inviting people with knowledge about this subject to attend a future board meeting to ask questions and provide input. Once the second bid is received the board will continue this discussion.

Student Handbook

The athletic handbook and some minor changes made to it was a topic of discussion for the board at this meeting. These changes to the handbook pertained to student eligibility and the period of ineligibility. 

A student who is academically ineligible is still expected to attend practices during their period of ineligibility unless the reason they are missing practice is due to academics. Students will have the opportunity to complete their academic obligations before or after school.

These changes were made because before a student could essentially quit the sport if they were ineligible, but these new requirements will make sure the student is still involved with practices and finishes the season in good standing. The board approved these changes to the handbook. 

Meeting Location

A change of location for future Lone Tree school board meetings and workshops was discussed. One location they talked about potentially moving to is the conference room in the Lone Tree Wellness Center. The benefits of the move would be more space and access to technology.

The board leaned toward keeping the meetings in the same location on account of the potentially loud noises from people playing basketball at the Wellness Center interrupting their discussions. With no changes to location approved, the board will continue their meetings in the high school library and the superintendent’s office for the foreseeable future. 

The Lone Tree school board will next meet for a workshop on Wednesday, September 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the superintendent’s office.