School eyes four-day week

By Janice Kurbjun
Times staff writer

Little Snake River Valley School could go to a four-day week, according to an advisory board report presented during Thursday’s Carbon County District 1 School Board meeting.

LSRVS Principal Rick Newton is evaluating support for the schedule change by talking to teachers and possibly issuing a parent survey during parent-teacher conferences. The responses should govern the decision, which should be presented before the School Board for a vote prior to the May 1 deadline.

Board member Kristi Groshart wanted to be sure the whole staff was incorporated in the decision, including bus drivers, food servers and custodians. She pointed out that a four-day week could reduce pay. According to Newton, the bus drivers were the only group who showed significant concern.

Also at the meeting, School Board members:

• Heard reports from the district’s principals about steps being taken to address bullying. Many of the principals have instituted programs to educate students and teachers on how to handle bullying.

• Heard a report from Business Manager Garry Goergen that an anticipated increase in enrollment may require additional modular buildings at Pershing and Highland Hills elementary schools. He is currently working with the School Facilities Commission to find funding for the buildings.

• Discussed alternatives to plastic foam cafeteria trays used by Rawlins Middle School students. Goergen said biodegradable trays cost approximately 300 percent more than plastic foam trays. Superintendent Peggy Sanders pointed out the possibility of continuing to use the plastic foam, while making the effort to recycle them instead of throwing them away. Board member Dave Dingman and Goergen should present a solution at the next board meeting.

• Approved an amendment to the district’s construction agreement with the SFC to adjust funding for the proposed Highland Hills Elementary School complex.

• In executive session, evaluated the expulsion of an unnamed Rawlins High School student as well as the hiring of Melvin Meyer as the high school custodian and Brenda Roberts as the high school cafeteria worker. The board reconvened and approved the expulsion and the two hirings. Also approved were the resignations of six district employees.