By Lori Jo Mundstock

A regular meeting of the Redfield School Board on Wednesday, February 10 yielded information on several different items taking place at the Redfield Public School.

During Good News Time Vocal Music Instructor Clark Lunstrum reported that the Small Group Music Contest had done well that day and he was very pleased with that.

Principal Brenda Stover spoke with the Board regarding a Spanish class that 17 teachers at the school are currently taking. The class, taught by Mrs. Scott, will be meeting once a week until May 18 and will apply towards the teacher’s credit renewals and certificate recertification. The teachers felt this was an important class for them as there is currently a Spanish-speaking student enrolled in the elementary level. There are also 10 teachers enrolled in a reading intervention class, which also applies towards their recertification.

Superintendent Randy Joyce spoke regarding the armory issue and told those present that they have received notification from the National Guard regarding the rental payment the SD National Guard pays on the building. Currently the amount they pay is $4,000 but will be raised up to $4,800. The Armory Board continues work on the Armory renovation project and is currently working on a resolution to itemize necessary work to be completed while waiting for word regarding a grant that the City of Redfield has applied for. Word on that is expected in March and the grant amount is contingent on energy points and savings.

There are still no applicants for the position of Head Cheerleading Coach at the school despite advertisement of the position in-house and statewide. Anyone interested in the position is encouraged to contact the Redfield School for more information regarding application.

Sports coverage in the Redfield Press was addressed by Superintendent Randy Joyce in response to an e-mail he received from an out of state subscriber of the Redfield Press who would like to see more sports coverage in the Press. The original e-mail came to the Press and Editor Cindy Lambert had sent a reply. The subscriber then contacted the school in the matter. Currently, despite advertisement for the Sports Writer position, there have been no applicants. Schools in the area have been having students in their journalism classes send stories in but with the students involvement in other things coverage is not always consistent. Suggestions regarding the matter were welcomed and the Redfield Press will again advertise that position for hire.

Conversation regarding the number of snow days Redfield School has had were discussed as was the amount budgeted for snow removal. Redfield School appears to be in the same situation as many other entities throughout the county due to the severe weather conditions this winter.

An in-house survey to gauge opinions will be conducted among staff and facility of the Redfield School in regards to the 4-day school week. This decision was reached after discussion following a report by Board President Darvin Dickhaut on a meeting he attended in Doland. One very positive aspect of a four-day school week realized would be the amount of prep time teachers would have available to them. The idea would be readdressed at the next meeting.