Staff writer
Marion High School may get a new $16,000 sign that would display pictures of students, videos, messages about time changes for events and notices about school activities.
“If you’ve been by the high school, you know the sign is difficult to read,” Leiker told the board.
Not discussed at the meeting is that the existing sign was placed as a memorial for Randy Razor, a member of Marion High School class of ’71 who died after a car wreck that year.
“I would have that same memorial for the new sign,” Leiker said. “We’ve done that for other things. The original site for the city swimming pool had a memorial to it, and we put that same plaque at the new swimming pool. We continue these memorials. I would certainly want to do that same thing as well.”
The single-sided sign Leiker showed the board would cost about $16,000, he told them.
“This is one way to get the word out,” Leiker said. “I think it would greatly benefit our community and benefit our school.”
Board member Jan Helmer urged Leiker to check with planning and zoning officials and board member Tim Young said to keep maintenance in mind as Leiker continues to gather information.
The board also will be recruiting a new member to replace Jana Nordquist, who resigned after being hired as a school nurse.
The board also could have decided to leave the seat open until the next school board election.
“I think if there are some people you know, it would be nice to ask then,” Helmer said.
Leiker said former board member Chris Sprowls had approached him about returning to the board. Leiker said he would talk to Sprowls before the next board meeting. Sprowls served 12 years, until last year.
In other business, the board voted unanimously to raise the cost of breakfast and lunches by five cents, which Leiker said would bring the district closer to government-recommended prices.
“I want to point out that the board is also agreeing to supplement lunch prices with general fund or supplemental general fund money,” Leiker said.
Board members also:
- Voted to provide transportation for FFA board members to attend an annual retreat in Colorado.
- Heard a report from Leiker about how federal regulations may require five district employees to become eligible for overtime.