Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Baker County press. (Baker City, Ore.) 2014-current | View Entire Issue (May 27, 2016)
8 — THE BAKER COUNTY PRESS FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016 Local 5J: meal prices rise, host families needed for Chinese students League of Oregon Cities meets BY TODD ARRIOLA Todd@TheBakerCountyPress.com The Baker District 5J School Board held its regular meeting on Thursday, May 19, 2016, 6 p.m., in the North Confer- ence Room, of the District Offi ce, at 2090 4th Street. Between 20 and 30 at- tended, and the meeting in- cluded presentations, hand shakes, hugs, laughter, and standing ovations, for ASB (Associated Student Body) President Bryson Smith, Promise of Baker Student of the Month Jayden Free- man, and retiring teach- ers Kathi Shaw, Joel and Gere Richardson, and Pat Brougham. Present from the Board were Chair Kevin Cassidy, Vice Chair Melissa Irvine, and members Andrew Bryan, Autumn Harell, and Chris Hawkins. Present District staff included Su- perintendent Mark Witty, Assistant Superinten- dent Betty Palmer, Chief Financial Offi cer (CFO)/ Business Manager Doug Dalton, and Executive Sec- retary Norma Nemec. Cassidy called the meet- ing to order, and led recita- tion of the Pledge of Alle- giance. He announced that a presentation for Business Partner of the Quarter, the Baker City Police Depart- ment, would be moved to the meeting in June. Cassidy stood with Smith, and read a cer- tifi cate, in recognition of Smith’s effort in the role of ASB President (this was his last year in that position). Cassidy thanked Smith for his attendance at Board meetings, and for his detailed BHS (Baker High School) reports, and he presented Smith with the certifi cate, and a gift. Cassidy asked Smith to speak about his future plans, and Smith said, “I will be attending (liberal arts institution) Linfi eld College in the fall, in Mc- Minnville, to play baseball, and to work towards a de- gree in physical therapy.” Baker Technical In- stitute (BTI) Director Jerry Peacock stood with Freeman, and said, “He’s really a remarkable young man...He’s a very good student, extremely polite, extremely respectful... Several comments that he (Freeman’s BTI welding instructor, Griffi n Judy) made about Jayden, that I think really stand out, that makes a real tribute to his dad, Jake, and his mom, Tracy, and that’s the fact that he has a tremendous work ethic...He comes in, and goes to work...He puts his head down, and that’s all he does...He spends more time in our welding lab than anyone, with the exception of Mr. Judy...” Peacock presented Free- man with a certifi cate, in recognition as Student of the Month. Cassidy read a list of retirees who were not pres- ent at the meeting, in order to recognize them also: Diagnostician/Speech/ Language Specialist Sigrid Johnson, BHS Counselor Gail Lemberger, Printshop Assistant Betty Peacock, Brooklyn Primary Librar- ian Lynda Pearson, and BHS Custodian II Dan Vanderpool. Former Haines/Keating Elementary Schools Prin- cipal Beth Bigelow stood Eileen Driver/ The Baker County Press Members from around northeast Oregon gathered in John Day for the most recent LOC meeting. Todd Arriola / The Baker County Press BY EILEEN DRIVER Eileen@TheBakerCountyPress.com Bryson Smith, student body president. with retiring K-6 Teacher Shaw, and provided a comprehensive presenta- tion, including Shaw’s background, and experi- ences with Shaw (Haines/ Keating Principal Skye Flanagan had asked Big- elow to present). Bigelow said, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kathi Shaw, and the Keating staff, on and off, for almost 15 years (she explained, this is why current Haines/ Keating Principal Skye Flanagan had asked her to make the presentation)... She makes it (teaching sev- eral grades) look easy...She always attends (various meetings) with a positive outlook, and a smile on her face...She approached each challenge with a can-do at- titude...Despite all of these challenges (she cited some numerous ones), Keating School has thrived, be- cause of her... Kathi Shaw has been an outstanding teacher, and a tribute to our profession...” Baker Middle School (BMS) Principal Chris Carmiencke stood with Joel Richardson, and said, “I’ve got a poem for you guys; it’s called ‘Coach R. And His Shoes.’” This was followed by laughter (com- mon with all of the presen- tations), and Carmiencke explained that the poem had been written by BMS staff, and Carmiencke ar- ranged the words. He said that he told each teacher, “You’ve got one minute. I need fi ve words, no more, no less, to describe Joel Richardson.” Excerpts from the poem include: “Outstanding, old school, in the best sense of the word...aged, like a fi ne win e... eclectic, and ornery... bright, and mischievous... strong values...strong work ethic...strong, with great shoes (a recurring theme in the poem)...the Rodney Dangerfi eld of P.E...inspir- ing, and motivating...an in- dividual anchor...so clearly generous (Carmiencke said that was the word more teachers used to describe him)... Coach R. Loved his profession.” South Baker Intermedi- ate School Teacher Dan VanWinkle stood with Brougham, and said, “Some things that our staff says about Pat: she’s a very caring person; anyone who works with her knows that. Kids always come fi rst... She’s always more than willing to go the extra mil e...She never fails to help the kids ...” VanWinkle made several jokes about Brogham, including stating that she’s had more experi- ence in the educational system, “...literally, longer than I’ve been alive...” Peacock stood with Gere Richardson, and said, “I got to thinking, she was my very fi rst hire in 1992 (during which time, Pea- cock served as BHS Princi- pal, until 2014)...” Peacock recapped the experience with Richardson, and the wide variety of subjects she had taught. “What that tells you about her, is that she was extremely adaptable...a true trait that she had, is her ability to relate to at-risk kids... She’s ultra organized... She’s been an extremely important part of Baker School District...” Peacock explained the contribution Richardson’s made to the region, with her culinary arts instruction. As with the other presentations, there was no shortage of laughter, including follow- ing Cassidy’s comment that it was a good point at which to adjourn the meeting. The meeting agenda was approved, along with the minutes from the Tuesday, April 19, 2016 retreat, the April 21, 2016 regular Board meeting, and the May 6, 2016 special Board meeting. During the Information segment of the meeting, Cassidy mentioned a Clas- sifi ed Transfer, Christie Randall, from Brooklyn Secretary, to Brooklyn Library Technician. No participation was noted during the Public Comment segment of the meeting. Cassidy listed Certifi ed New Hires: Lisa Davis, South Baker Special Education; Ellen Jacobs, District Diagnostician/ Speech/Language; Lacey Hirst, Haines 5th Grade Teacher; Kate Johnson, Brooklyn 3rd Grade Teacher; and David Laws, BHS English Language Arts. Certifi ed Transfers included: Amanda Wilde, from Brooklyn 3rd Grade, to Keating Head Teacher K-6; Silas Turner, from BMS Counselor, to BHS Counselor; Jason Ramos, from BMS Math, to BHS Math; and Maggie Leath- erbury, from South Baker 6th Grade, to South Baker Special Education. Certi- fi ed Job Share included: Nicole Sullivan, and Samantha Sullivan, BMS. Certifi ed Resignations in- cluded: Heidi Stocks, BHS Match Teacher. Certifi ed Retirement included: Joel Richardson, BMS Physi- cal Education Teacher. Extra-Duty Resignations included: Joel Richardson, BHS Assistant Football Coach; Hope Perkins, BHS Cheer Coach; and Chelsea Hurliman, BHS Assistant Volleyball Coach. The complete list was ap- proved. Among other items, the second, and third readings of the following policies were approved: IGAEB, Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Prevention, Health Educa- tion; IGBAF-AR, Special Education Individualized Education Program (IEP); IKF, Graduation Require- ments; and JEBA, Early Entrance. The Board discussed a proposed increase in District meal prices, which hasn’t been implemented in the last several years, because the difference between the paid meal revenues, and free meal revenues was paid out of general funds. The need to eventually close that gap is required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, section 205. The proposed meal prices for 2016-2017 are: K-6 breakfast, $1.35; K-6 lunch, $2.35; BMS breakfast, $1.35; BMS lunch, $2.45; BHS break- fast, $1.60; BHS lunch, $2.60; Adult breakfast, $1.70; and Adult lunch, $3.10. These meal prices refl ect an increase of $.10, above current prices. The increase was approved. The Board discussed a proposed LKV (Leatham, Krohn, Van Ocker) Architects assessment of District facilities, some of which Cassidy said are in an “appalling” state. This assessment would include general building informa- tion, assessment of each building element (sub- structure, shell, interiors, services, equipment and furnishings, and special construction and demoli- tion), current replacement value, capacity analysis, safety and security analy- sis, technology infrastruc- ture assessment, indoor air quality and water quality assessment, and harmful substance (such as lead, or asbestos) assessment. Among announcements made, Witty said that BHS will once again host Chi- nese students from Shaanxi Shiquan High School, in Xian, China. There will be eight students, and two adults in Baker City for 13 days, from July 14th, through July 27th. Host families are needed (a total of four, to host two students each), and anyone interested is asked to con- tact Ben Merrill, at 541- 519-3458. Host families receive $100 per student hosted. The City of John Day was the host of this quarter’s League of Oregon Cities (LOC) Regional Meeting. It was held in the River Room of the Outpost Pizza, Pub & Grill at 201 W. Main Street at 11:00 a.m. A delicious buffet of sandwiches and salads was laid out for attendees to dine on. The meeting was chaired by LOC President and Salem City Councillor Brad Nanke who opened the meeting welcoming everyone and thanking them for the higher than expected turnout. He introduced LOC Member Ser- vices Director Susan Muir who explained the new LOCData system, which allows members to access city data, on any member city, all in one convenient loca- tion at data.orcities.org. She also spoke about the new Property Tax look-up, which should be up and running in about 30 days. Dave Nelson, Public Service Director for CIS ( City/ County Insurance Service), gave a talk: “What’s new at CIS” explaining the new discount schedule for call- ing and working with the pre-loss division whenever a discipline or termination situation comes up and letting us know that answers to many of your questions can also be found at cisoregon.org. Craig Honeyman the Intergovernmental Relations Director for LOC let the members know that in 2016 they have been carefully watching and working on the following bills: Property Tax Reform SJR 201, HB 4146 Transient Lodging Tax, SB 1533 Inclusionary Zoning & Construction, SB 1573 Preempting of voting & annexa- tion, SB 1547 Renewable energy & public utility defi ni- tion, SB 1511 patient access, HB 4014 marijuana tax collection, HB 1532 minimum wage, HB 4067 Whistle Blower, SB 1529 prohibit HOA’s of lawn watering regulations, HB 1563 septic loan program and SB 1584 municipal water right extension. Summaries of these bills are available at the LOC web site. He also wanted everyone to look for the priority survey, coming out soon, that needs to be fi lled out and returned that will let them know where their priorities should be in 2017. Mike McCauley, LOC Executive Director, went over what constitutes a public meeting and how important it is to consult a city attorney before calling an executive ses- sion to make sure it qualifi es. A handy guide can be found at openoregon.org. McCauley wanted everyone to know, “Oregon has the strongest home rule laws in the country and the league will continue to defend and up- hold home rule.” Nanke closed out the meeting by reminding all pres- ent of City Hall Week on September 12. He encouraged everyone to take advantage of it and get to know their representatives and let them know what is important. Also members should please plan to attend the LOC Conference being held in Salem this year on September 29 through October 1 at the Salem Convention Center. On the agenda for the 91st annual conference is special workshops for mayors, councillors and managers, trades shows, keynote speakers and several different city tours. Attending the LOC Regional Meeting was Eileen Driv- er Huntington; City Councillor, Shellie Nash Huntington; Deputy City Recorder, Leanne Woolf Sumpter; Planning Commission, Marsie Watson Long Creek; City Recorder, Tawni Bean IFA; Regional Director, Andy Perez Ander- son Perry Engineering, Bob Yukawa Monument Finance Manager, Jim Hamsher Prairie City; Mayor, Louis Provencher John Day; City Councillor, Josh Walker Seneca; City Manager, Bob Armbruster Sumpter City Councillor; Annie Oakly Sumpter; President of the Council, Steve Schuette John Day; City Councillor, Paul Smith John Day; City Councillor, Ruth Moore Dayville; City Recorder, Pat McCorry Monument; City Councillor, Dorothy Jordan Monument; City Recorder; Patty Johnson Monument; City Councillor,; Susan Christiansen Interim Director GEODC in Pendleton; Peggy Gray John Day City Manager, Roberta Vanderwell Nyssa City Manager; and Amy Harlan Nyssa Finance Manager. See page 11 for how to subscribe today! Get a whole year for as little as $29.95.