HUMBOLDT — Monday evening’s school board meeting was an occasion to recognize the handful of key officials leaving their posts at USD 258. AFTER 40 minutes spent in executive session, the board returned to unanimously approve: IN OTHER NEWS, the board — on the recommendation of its attorney Bob Johnson — delayed approving negotiations with the Humboldt National Education Association for the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 school year.
Superintendent K.B. Criss began by recognizing, with a plaque and a brief speech, the 12 years of dedicated service marking the career of outgoing board president Curt Mueller. Next, Criss directed his thanks toward Helen Harrington, who has served the district for seven years, most recently as a liaison for the ANW Special Education Co-op.
Criss then passed the reins of the informal presentations over to Mueller, who recognized departing board clerk Lori Buchholz, whose balance of easy competence and good humor the board, media and public have depended on for 12 years. Buchholz, who has lived in Iola for more than two decades, will be relocating with her husband, Glenn, to El Dorado.
Finally, Mueller presented a certificate to Criss, who concludes his 14-year-run in the district — as teacher, coach, principal, athletic director and, since 2010, the district’s superintendent.
According to Mueller, the board will also dedicate to Criss “a plaque put on a stone out at the sports complex,” whose text will recognize in indelible lettering the superintendent’s “visionary leadership and countless hours of volunteer labor toward the successful completion of the new USD 258 sports complex.”
“We want to thank you for all you’ve done for us,” said Mueller. “You’ve really put us on the right track.”
“It’s been a wonderful 14 years for my family and me,” Criss said. “That’s what makes it so special here — this board cares about kids.”
Elementary and middle school principal Kay Bolt will succeed Criss as Superintendent of Schools next month.
The hiring of Paula Kovacic as new board clerk, Carol Larson as high school counselor and Lila Morris as high school cook; and the contract of Jody Siebenmorgan, who is the program director of the virtual education program.
A 10-cent “across-the-board” increase in the cost of school meals — a hike which, according to Criss, is necessary to remain in compliance with new USDA guidelines.
The board’s recently elected members, Scott Murrow and Don Hauser, were in attendance at Monday’s meeting, as they have been since their election. Regular board members Kyle Seufert and Sandy Whitaker were absent.
School board bids adieu to outgoing district employees
