NEW MARKET — Several topics of interest were addressed at the Southmont school board meeting on Monday.
The board approved two plans as part of the 2025 budget: a bus replacement plan and capital projects plan. The bus replacement plan will entail the replacement of 15 buses through the year 2029. The capital projects plan listed the timelines of several improvements to ensue for the next three school years, including the construction of outdoor learning labs, transportation offices, sidewalk and parking lot repairs, and lighting updates.
After an opening with the Pledge of Allegiance led by high school class officers and student council members, the board recognized October students and staff of the month, including high school social studies teacher Lacey Haseley who was commended for her role in expanding the dual credit course offerings available to high school students. Fellow commended students and staff included junior Kendall Priebe from the high school, Andrea Allen and administrative assistant Cheryl Politz from the junior high, Rhys Archer and preschool lead instructor Ashley Perry from Ladoga Elementary, Libby Stull and teacher Denise Bowman from New Market Elementary, and Eva Yates and music teacher Kevy Bailey from Walnut Elementary.
Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Hofer remarked on the schools’ accomplishments.
“It’s really tremendous to see the amount of dedication, loyalty, and commitment by our students and our staff,” she said. “We were recently awarded [as a] National Blue Ribbon School at Ladoga Elementary, and all three of our elementary schools as whole in terms of average of all three have already hit our 95% [literacy rate] mark that’s been set by the state. … Our elementary principals work hard every single day in terms of leading their buildings, and our junior high and high school are no exception.”
In personnel matters, the board:
• Accepted the resignations of Kelly Shannon, Walnut kindergarten teacher; Sandra Johnson, junior high instructional aide; and Robin Tomlinson, New Market instructional aide.
• Approved the employment of Catharine Simmerman, high art teacher; Cori Crossley, Walnut kindergarten teacher; Heather Stegeman, part-time junior high clinic assistant/secretary; and Danielle Starcher, New Market instructional aide.
• Approved stipends in the following amounts: Jamie Welliever, varsity wrestling coach, $5,000; Juan Grino, varsity assistant wrestling coach, $2,000; Rachel Welliever, varsity assistant wrestling co-coach, $1,000; Laine Frazee, varsity assistant wrestling co-coach, $1,000; Michael Byrum, varsity boys’ basketball coach, $8,000; Dan Chadd, varsity assistant boys’ basketball coach, $3,500; Clay Buck, JV boys’ basketball coach, $3,000; Dan Burkman, varsity girls’ basketball coach, $8,000; Morgan Ross, varsity assistant girls’ basketball coach, $3,250; Jeff Cochran, varsity assistant girls’ basketball coach, $3,250; Dan McCormick, varsity boys’ swimming coach, $2,639; Mercedes McCormick, varsity girls’ swimming coach, $2,639; Rebekah Thomas, co-ed diving coach, $1,500; Rachel Welliever, junior high wrestling coach, $2,000; Elliott Franklin, seventh grade boys’ basketball coach, $2,000; Dave Williamson, eighth grade boys’ basketball coach, $2,000; Dave Williamson, eighth grade boys’ basketball coach, volunteer; and Matt Williams, eighth grade girls’ basketball coach, $2,000.
In other business, the board approved a request for an FFA field trip to Switzerland County last week; and accepted donations in the amount of $400.
Next month’s regular school board meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Nov. 11 in the corporation board room.
