Garrett — Outgoing President Tami Best and Vice President Larry Getz were admitted as members of the Garrett Kaiser-Butler School Board at their final meeting on Monday.
Each received a gift from the school district and accolades from other board members for their dedication to making Garrett’s school great.
“My dad used to say that a person’s level of appreciation is directly related to their expectations,” Best recalls.
“I assure you that after my meeting with the board six years ago, I did not leave the company in the hope of being the person selected to finish my term, and that I will serve an additional term.
“To be given this opportunity is not something I took for granted. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to serve with you for six years.
“This school has been a blessing to our family. We truly look back and say that the best decision we made for our children was moving them to Garrett. I appreciate what you do for my students every day,” she said.
Goetz wished incoming board members Luke Ice and Matt Freese the best of luck, saying they both “have a heart for the children and will undoubtedly do a great job.” He expressed his pride in the work the board has done and the impact it has had on students.
Best lost a re-election bid in the November election. Goetz didn’t ask for another term.
Students and staff at Garrett’s school have been busy for weeks since their last meeting, the building’s management told the school board.
According to JE Ober Elementary School Principal Kristi Surfus, more than 800 people attended the annual Festival of Trees. For his Grandparents’ Day program in late November, the event drew more than 900 registered guests. A Christmas concert for elementary school students was held this month as well. Serfus said the high attendance was likely due to the lack of programming over the past two years during the pandemic.
Middle school principal Lucas Fielden said he could feel the “spirit of the season” in the halls through the National Junior Honor Society’s efforts to provide Christmas gifts and meals to three families in the district. Students also created sculptures using canned food donated for their families, prizes from the winning classroom. He also congratulated spelling bee winner Rilyn Flotow and runner-up Averie Kunkel.
High school principal Matt Smith introduced exchange students Arturo Zecchina from Italy and Jarmo Henschel from Germany in Monday’s session. Both played for the Railroaders soccer team last fall. Zekkina is on the basketball team. Team sports sponsored by schools are not offered in their home country, only club sports.
Both are from big cities, but the US and Indiana are approachable and friendly. Both of them started learning English in the classroom at an early age, and since their arrival last fall, they have improved their conversational skills and are getting along well with their host families and classmates.
Career Development Director Corey Schoon attended a recent convention in Las Vegas with two other administrators to offer new ideas for local programs involving agricultural equipment and encourage additional programs in middle schools. urged.
Personnel items include the departure of cafeteria part-time employees Madeleine Johnson and Sandy Main. Elisabeth Hoffman and Abigail Garrison are hired as custodians. Rachel Kilgore is an elementary school teaching assistant. The board also approved Harry Klopfenstein’s resignation as high school soccer coach.
The Board of Directors has approved a proposal to purchase the 308 S. Guilford St. property for $185,000. The property was donated to the school by his alumni Steve Fike. Members of the high school building trade class and Garrett’s RBT business center restored the house.
The Board also approved the following measures:
• Solution for money transfers on rainy days.
• Memorandum of Understanding with Ivy Tech.
• Contracting property management systems to districts on behalf of teachers to provide computerized systems.
• 2023-2024 High School Course Guide.
• Bond with District Business Manager Brittany Treesh.
• High School Night Wrestling Tournament December 28-31 at Mishawaka High School. Garrett Wrestling Tournament at Mishawaka High School.
• Night High School Wrestling Tournament January 6-7 at Jay County High School.
• On January 7th, the girls’ basketball field trip to Hillsdale, Michigan.and
• Wrestling booster fundraiser.
The Board approved a $530,690 Exploration, Experience, and Engagement (3E) grant from the US Department of Education. We also made a personal donation of $600 to cover the negative school lunch balance.
High school organizations and extracurricular activities groups also received donations, including $800 for the youth basketball program from the Nucor Insulated Panel Group, $500 and $50 for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes from Metal Technologies, the Brotherhood Mutual Foundation, and Garrett State Bank. The Garrett Claus program from Vision Source and $125 from various art club projects.
A reorganization meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 4th at 8:00 am at the Central Administration Office, and I swear Ice and Freeze. Board members who represent the district on various boards and regional organizations are also elected at this meeting.