Board welcomes newly-elected member, hears about testing and summer school

The Comanche Board of Education met April 9. Newly-elected board member, Cody Gerard, took the oath of office, and board officers were determined.

In the regular session, members approved various routine consent agenda items, including the minutes of the March board meeting, activity fund reports, treasurer’s report, general fund, and building encumbrances.

The board also voted to approve the opioid grant application, including the abatement plan and budget. The funds would contribute to a counselor contract.

The board accepted the resignation of Carlann Miller, the high school counselor. Kristan Slovak will make the move to high school after this year. Slovak has been the counselor at the elementary for 10 years.

“(She) is excited about the move and is already planning for next year,” said Julie Bills, superintendent. “Her passion for teaching and working with students will make this a smooth transition.”

Bills reported to the board that the ACT, history, and science tests have been given at the high school, elementary testing will begin on April 15, and middle school testing will begin on April 29. Bills shared that Comanche Public School summer school will be held for three consecutive weeks, four days a week, from 8 a.m. to noon for middle and elementary schools. The dates are June 3 - 20. Transportation will be provided as needed. High school credit recovery will be held during the same time frame. Breakfast and lunch will be provided June 3-20.

Bills shared with the board the various student activities approaching and student successes. The district hosted the first middle school track meet on April 4. Bills said it was a small meet to get the kinks worked out. The district hasn’t hosted a meet in the last five years.

“The community was gracious with the passing of the bond which included the resurfacing of the track,” Bills said.

The district hopes to host a high school and middle school meet during the 2024-25 school year. Bills announced that Kylie Roden was recognized as an FCA All State athlete.

The board also approved the hiring of Melissa Channel as the special education director. Channel has 26 years of experience in special education and 12 years of experience as a department chair and coordinator. Channel has extensive experience with co-teaching and inclusion. Bills said she is excited to have her take over the program and re-evaluate how we serve the students in their least restrictive environments.