NSB approves contracts for licensed, classified personnel

ROSSTON – With two exceptions, all licensed and classified personnel had their contracts extended by the Nevada School Board during its March meeting Thursday night.

The exceptions are the superintendent, Rick McAfee, and his wife, both of whom are retiring at the end of this school year. McAfee has been with the district since it’s inception 33 years ago.

Otherwise, there wasn’t a lot for the board to discuss. McAfee said the elementary students are preparing for testing, with work being done on chromebooks as this is how they’ll take the tests this year. On the high school level, he said the shooting club had its first meeting and had a good turnout. A new trap machine was used for practice. According to McAfee, the students responded well and this club will offer a lot of good things for them, especially where gun safety is concerned. He told the board the girls volleyball project is moving forward with bids being sought for equipment. Plans are to field a girls volleyball team this fall.

On the topic of athletics, McAfee said COVID restrictions have been costly, especially as there’s only been limited seating and no concession sales. To date, the district is roughly $1,500 in the red with the senior boys in the state basketball tournament at Greers Ferry. The longer the team plays, he said, the more it’ll cost the district. He asked the board to approve using money from the athletic operating fund to cover the loss as budgets can’t end in the red. The board agreed. The Blue Jays will be playing Western Grove Saturday in the quarter finals, and, should they win, they’ll play at 7 p.m. Monday night in the semifinals. The title game will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

McAfee said the district is on course to meet its budget, but it’s been been a strain with COVID-19. However, a second round of COVID funding should be coming and can be used to purchase what’s needed to meet the district’s needs.

He talked about professional development, reminding the board everything has been virtual for the past year, but some venues have been opened up again. One is the school safety seminar which the district paid for last year, while another is the model school conference, scheduled for June 27 through July 1. Incoming superintendent Roy McCoy will be taking a group of teachers to the model school conference. McAfee said this professional development is being paid for with federal money which must be allocated by July 1, adding there will be more professional development for 2022.

While the March meeting was brief, McAfee said the board will have more to discuss in the coming months. Next month, he said, the board will be discussing policies and changes to the handbook along with digital plans for next year – if they’re needed.

Prior to the meeting, McAfee said there will be a prom this year, though it will be modified and shorter than usual. The prom is set for April 16 with a beach theme. The students attending will be served a meal and have roughly 30 minutes for a spotlight dance with COVID protocols being observed.