Staff writer
For several months, the key focus of USD 411 board of education has been on facility improvements. That issue remains front and center with a bond issue vote coming April 2, but at Monday’s meeting, personnel took center stage.
“We accept the resignation of Brian Stucky who has taught art in our district for 34 years,” Superintendent John Fast said. “He has been an incredible asset to our school in terms, not only as an art teacher, but also for his contributions in coaching, his love and knowledge of history, the books he has authored, and the way he has connected with our students.”
Newly seated board member Kyle Funk, who joined the board for his first meeting Monday, said Stucky was one of the most interesting teachers he ever had at Goessel.
“I had him as an art teacher from kindergarten through grade 12, plus he was my junior high basketball coach,” Funk said. “I think he is going to be very hard to replace. He was just a great teacher.”
In addition to teaching art classes, Stucky developed and coached the Goessel girls’ volleyball program in the mid-1980s. Through his years at Goessel, he also coached different levels of basketball, as well as track and field events.
Board members also accepted the resignation of high school vocal music instructor Renae Schmidt Peters.
“Mrs. Peters has done such an amazing job with the Elbiata singers, choir, the musical last fall “Wizard of Oz,” and overseeing the recent junior high Wheat State League music festival,” board member Darla Meysing said. “She has always been very dedicated and passionate about her work here. She will definitely be missed.”
Fast said Peters was resigning in order to spend more time with her young daughter and family.
“We understand her desire to be a stay-at-home mom completely, but she leaves very hard shoes to fill,” he said.
The board heard presentations from countywide organizations Family and Communities Together and Parents as Teachers.
Ashley Gann of FACT asked for and received $2,500 of district funding for her work with at risk and preschool children in the county. Lori Soo Hoo and Bryant Miller of PAT asked for and received $3,400 for their work in connecting parents of young children with district resources.
Miller, a 2010 Goessel High School graduate and current Kansas State University student, is serving an internship with PAT and spoke about his work building a website for the organization.
In other business:
- Board members approved the appointment of Tina Schrag to the Goessel Recreation Commission.
- Principal Scott Boden told board members that 78 students were beginning track practice this week and 15 students signed up for the high school golf team.
- Newest district bus driver and custodian Morris Ewert introduced himself to the board and told of his work.
- Board members discussed calendar changes including an additional day of school for eighth-graders (and all students) on junior high promotion day, May 14, because of snow days used.