Gallatin board hears report on new staff, walkway

Gallatin R-5 Board of Education heard a report on new staff members for the upcoming school year during their meeting held Friday, July 14. New staff includes the following: Markay August, high school English teacher; Lindsey Bond, middle school teacher; Kylie Cameron, elementary aide; Allie Dolan, elementary teacher; Amy Holder, high school history/ag teacher; Karen Johnson, high school secretary; Monica Riley, library aide; Casey Sweatman, elementary teacher; and Kayce Terhune, high school aide.
The board heard an update on the walkway. An enclosed walkway from the elementary to the middle school was among the proposed building additions to be funded by the operating levy which passed in this April’s election. Superintendent Bryan Copple is still receiving bids and looking at options for the walkway.
The 2017-2018 calendar was revised. Dec. 22 is a snow day if needed, and
May 22 at 12:30 is dismissal for graduation.
The tax rate hearing was set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17. The school board meeting will follow at 6:30 p.m.
The following 2017-2018 handbooks with revisions were approved: CDSE Student Handbook, CDSE Staff Handbook, High School Student Handbook, Gallatin Middle School Handbook, the combination of the high school and middle school athlete/extracurricular handbooks, and the new bullying form as presented. Activities Director Barron Gann shared revisions to the athlete/extracurricular handbook.
The board entered into closed session for personnel discussions.
Stephen Williamson was offered an extra duty contract for basketball announcer for the 2017-2018 school year.
The 2016-2017 Annual Secretary of Board Report was approved.
Berry Wood was approved to concrete the drive located north of the elementary building.
The above are the unapproved minutes of the Gallatin Board of Education meeting held July 14. Present were Jesse Bird, Tim Bradford, Trent Dowell, Jeffrey Donovan, Brice Terry and Amy Heldenbrand. Bill Irby was absent. Also present were Superintendent Bryan Copple, Activities Director Barron Gann and Board Secretary Lynda Swopes. Guests were Jen Johnson, Bob Johnson and Amanda King.