HUMBOLDT — An emotional Joe Works ended his 20-year tenure Monday on the Humboldt USD 258 Board of Education.
“Education is very important and Humboldt does a lot of things very well,” said Works, owner of B&W Trailer Hitches, who was recognized for his service at Monday’s board meeting. “It is great for the city and the community to be known as a community with a great school.
“I applaud all of you for grabbing the torch and carrying on,” Works added, and with a bit of emotion in his voice wished the current board good luck.
Superintendent of Schools Kay Lewis called Works a “mentor” to other board members and someone “[who] always made sure that he put kids first.”
She also said that Works’ efforts and time were appreciated and that he would “be sorely missed.”
BOARD members engaged in a brainstorming session led by Lewis wherein they came up with “big ideas” for the district’s five-year strategic plan.
Topics included:
— Retention and recruitment of new teachers
— Career exploration
— Financial responsibility
— Safety and security
— Social and emotional well-being
— Extracurricular activities
— Student success and project-based learning
Setting out a vision is important for accreditation and setting goals for the district, Lewis said.
IN OTHER business, the board approved the KASB Comprehensive Tobacco-Free School Grounds policy.
Board members suggested posting more extensive non-smoking signs, including vaping, to be displayed around school buildings.
They were especially concerned about cutting down on smoking around gyms and other places the public gathers during sporting and other extracurricular events.
The board also approved funding to send teachers and administrators out-of-state for training and key events, as well as $144,461 for waterproofing work on certain structures.
