To kick off the first school board meeting of the year for USD 373, some JAG students came to show their appreciation of the board members.

The students not only got up and spoke about what the opportunity to be in JAG has meant to them, but they also handed out little goodies to everyone at the table. Everyone in attendance could see their gratitude toward the staff. 

“I do want to say that takes a ton of courage, so thank you all for bringing that,” Andy Ortiz said. “That takes a lot of gut, keep working.”

The meeting also addressed some other important business that needed to be taken care of. The new President and Vice President were named for the next calendar year, this appointed Melissa Schreiber as the new President and Ian Long as the new Vice President. 

“The ballot results in and it looks like Ian Long will be the nominee for Vice President,” Schreiber said. “Motion by Mallory [Morton] and seconded by Ian, all those in favor, and motion carries.” 

District facility use was also discussed. Superintendent Fred Van Ranken is working hard to improve the middle school’s athletic facilities. 

“One of the things that was mentioned as a need was athletic facilities for Chisolm Middle [school],” Van Ranken said. “We should not be all about athletics because fine arts are also mentioned in that report.”

Newton High School principal Emily Snyder brought a box of cookies to bring joy to the students after returning from the holiday season and to thank all of the board members for their outstanding hard work. 

“Newton High School just wanted to formally thank the board of education on this month as it is Board of Education month,” Snyder said.