Lind, Ritzville School Boards discuss cooperative updates

The Lind and Ritzville School Boards met on Feb. 22 for the regularly scheduled meeting to discuss and listen to updates from administrators for the districts.

The meeting began with a Transportation Cooperative update and proposal for the purchase of two buses. Transportation Coordinator Lynn Sackmann explained the features of the two buses and answered questions from the board members.

Both boards unanimously approved to purchase a 30-passenger and 42-passenger bus for the cooperative district. Sackmann said the 42-passenger bus has a lift and the potential for the seats to be adjusted, allowing for the potential to extend to a 60-passenger bus.

Superintendent Rob Roettger said the Transportation Vehicle Fund (TVF) currently only has $6,777, but the projection total by Sept. 1 is $210,634. The total cost for the two buses is $185,227.

During the public forum, two community members addressed the board. This included a speech from eighth grade student Lane Ford, a Hatton student who attends Lind-Ritzville Middle School.

Ford spoke to the board members regarding his experience with track and field during spring last year. He said the experience truly improved him as a student, and a person, as he worked hard to remain eligible so he could compete in the sport he loves.

The main purpose of his presentation revolved around the lack of transportation to Hatton after extracurricular activities.

As a student who is interested in applying himself in a positive manner during an after school activity, Ford said he would like the opportunity to participate, regardless of where he lives.

The school board members plan to address the transportation issue, as well as provide a clarification to the school dances policy as requested during the public forum, in the upcoming meetings.

Athletic Director Greg Whitmore provided an update on sports throughout the Lind and Ritzville districts.

He advised the board the high school baseball team is potentially in jeopardy of not having a team this year because of lack of numbers.

Whitmore hosted a meeting with middle school athletes and parents on March 1 to discuss the issue and inquire about the possibility of having enough eighth grade students play up on the high school team.

For high school spring sports, Whitmore said 30 athletes have signed up for track and field, eight have registered for golf, 23 are signed up for softball and 16 are registered for tennis.

Roettger provided an update for the Lind School District facilities and the projects the district is looking to complete with the remainder of the bond improvement money. The lockdown button is now installed in the elementary school, Roettger said, and they are moving forward with making the sidewalk ADA compliant.

The district is also looking to install a new piece of playground equipment, which Roettger estimated would cost $35,000 with installation. They are also looking into purchasing two swing sets for an estimated $1,700.

Roettger advised with these costs, the district still has $50,000 of available funds. He explained he is now researching the cost for an upgrade for the intercom system, as well as potentially purchasing a small supply of ChromeBooks for the middle school.

The Lind School Board unanimously approved for Roettger to move forward with the playground equipment purchase, not to exceed $40,000.

During the meeting, Annie Trunkle-Smart submitted her resignation after 16 years of service on the Lind School Board.

She is beginning an internship with the Lind-Ritzville School District to provide additional counseling services for kindergarten to 12th grade students.