HUMBOLDT A desire to have more board members with school-aged children made the difference in appointing a new member to the USD 258 Board of Education.
Board members selected Josh Wrestler to fill a vacancy on the Humboldt school board after the resignation of Scott Murrow. Wrestler edged out Drake Tilman, a police officer who also applied for the post. Both are alumni.
Board president Kevin Heisler made the motion to appoint Wrestler.
I like the fact that Josh has kids in school, Heisler said, Theres only two of us sitting at this table that have kids at school.
Wrestler, who works in agriculture and farms, has three children in school and one soon to start. Hes also been a coach for the Humboldts recreation department.
Board members said they were impressed by both candidates after a short interview. The candidate were quizzed on such things as their top priorities and what they see as strengths and weaknesses for the district.
Tilman said security would be his priority; Wrestler said he agreed but added he wanted students to be well-versed in technology to better prepare them for the future.
The district already has an edge when it comes to technology, Wrestler said. He cited the success of the Humboldt Virtual Education Program, an online school, and the one-to-one technology with laptops, tablets and other tools.
Tilman said teachers are the districts biggest strength, as evidenced by the number of out-of-district students who ask to attend school at Humboldt. Hes heard parents say they wanted to attend USD 258 because of the teachers.
Though the board appointed Wrestler, his term ends in less than a year. Board members encouraged both Wrestler and Tilman to file for the post.
We have to make a decision tonight but ultimately its the public that needs to make that decision, Heisler said.
BOARD members also approved a change to the districts math program, giving students more options to ease into algebra classes. The district will offer pre-algebra classes, then give students options to take one or two transitional algebra classes before algebra I.
High school principal John Johnson and elementary school principal Staci Hudlin talked about the difficulties some students face as they transition to high school. About half of the districts elementary students scored below 230 on the math MAPS test, a standardized test used to gauge student readiness for algebra. Students who score below 230 typically struggle in algebra, while those at 230 or above do well, both principals said.
By offering a more gradual approach for students at the lower end, teachers could tailor math at a more appropriate level.
IN OTHER business, the board:
Accepted the resignations of Kelly Mauk as morning breakfast supervisor; Kaitlyn Dispensa as middle school girls track coach; Eric Sparks as high school golf coach; Megan Hess as elementary paraprofessional and coordinator of the after school program; and Aubrey Jones as virtual teaching assistant.
Approved hiring Chad Carter as freshman class sponsor; Jalayne Nelson and Haley Ellison as elementary accreditation members; Tasha Dawson and Mindy Brooks as elementary morning breakfast supervisors; Jessica Garrett as fifth grade teacher; and Aubrey Jones as computer teacher.
