Staff writer
Several Hillsboro High School students and parents showed their support for keeping funding of the school’s fall musical and spring play amid discussion of budget cuts.
Junior Briana Loewen told USD 410 Board of Education Monday students had heard the possibility of having either a musical or a play every year, but not both.
The stage events are an opportunity for students who may not get as involved in other activities, Loewen said.
Also, while there is some overlap between the two events, musicals and plays draw slightly different participants.
Musicals have larger casts, allowing more students to get involved, Loewen said. On the other hand, plays don’t call for the singing talent needed for a musical.
Loewen presented a petition signed by students and parents urging the board to maintain funding for both the musical and the play.
Brenda Riggs said her son, Jordan Riggs, enjoys the opportunities to participate in stage productions at HHS. He was in the cast of “Annie Get Your Gun” and “The Butler Did It” this year.
Board of Education President Rod Koons said reducing drama funding was one of several options the board was considering. He said he was happy to see students and parents taking an interest in board issues.
In other business:
- Likely budget cuts include leaving open positions unfilled, eliminating a bus route, and reducing travel. Nothing is finalized, Interim Superintendent Doug Huxman said.
- The 2009-10 school calendar was set. The first day of school will be Aug. 13, and the first semester will end Dec. 22. Students will return Jan. 5, and the school year will end May 25.
- The board approved an agreement with the teachers’ union for the 2009-10 school year. Koons said the teachers were understanding of the district’s financial position. Huxman said he was impressed the teachers were focusing more on what is best for students.
- The election of position four on the board was not resolved. Three people were tied with one write-in vote each, Huxman said. Marion County Commission will break the tie by pulling a name out of a hat. If the winner declines the position, the school board will appoint someone to the position.
- The board met in closed session for 90 minutes to discuss personnel.
- Judy Hiebert will retire as a cook at Hillsboro Elementary School.
- Ronda Wiens resigned as a cook at HES, but will continue to work as a bus driver.
- Len Coryea resigned as head football coach for HHS.
- Mike Jilka resigned as Hillsboro Middle School girls’ basketball coach.
- Glanzer Pro Audio of Hillsboro will install a sound system at the USD 410/Tabor College athletic facility. The company had the winning bid of $25,657. McClelland Sound of Wichita bid $50,259.