The Plymouth School Board voted unanimously during a Board meeting on January 6 to move into 2015 with the same officers as 2014. Those retaining their positions include: Todd Samuelson, president; Larry Holloway, vice-president; and Melissa Christiansen, secretary. Other Board members include Larry Pinkerton and Jenny Sickmiller.
Samuelson will also continue as president of the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee held the election in a meeting following the regular meeting.
Other appointments include Samuelson as legislative liaison and Christiansen and Sickmiller to the Strategic Planning Committee. Christiansen served on the committee during 2014. Former Board member Gary Cook had been appointed as well, but left the Board during the year to accept a position in the Security Department of the schools.
Kandi Tinkey will continue as Treasurer of the corporation. Wendy Haenes was approved a Deputy Treasurer. Haenes also serves as a Payroll Specialist,
Speaking to the performance of Tinkey and Haenes, Pinkerton said, “They both do a heck of a job. We expect that to continue.” Referring to the treasurer responsibilities as a difficult and important job, Samuelson also expressed his appreciation for what he called a high level of work.
Jeffery Houin will continue as legal counsel. He is from the firm Easterday Houin LLP.
The Board accepted the resignation of Dan Funston as Assistant Superintendent. Funston has accepted a position in the private sector and will leave the school effective January 9. Andy Hartley has been transferred from Washington Discovery Academy to the Central Office as Interim Assistant Superintendent. Laura Kryer, PEA (Plymouth Education Association) president, shared her appreciation for the contributions that Funston made to a committee formed to find ways to retain teachers. She said he made positive changes to the mentor and induction programs.
The Board spent the majority of the meeting reviewing a report on Strategic Planning. The report reflected a year-long study of the schools facilities. The report was compiled by Administrative Assistance (consulting firm) and a 16-20 member committee of community stakeholders. The report included an overview of Lincoln Junior High, the need for additional security entrances, providing emergency generators, upgrades for elementary school playgrounds, and needed athletic facilities improvements.
A more in-depth article on the report dated January 6 can be found on the WTCA website.
Carol Anders Correspondent
