Coaches' scholarship program suggested at MHS
Gary Melcher, former Marion High School all-star athlete in all sports, appeared before the USD board Monday to explain a proposal for adoption of a coaches' scholarship program.
He noted that MHS has had many outstanding coaches, over the years, and he believed they should be recognized.
Melcher coaches three sports at El Dorado and maintains a strong interest in his former home town. He was accompanied by Jim Darrow of Marion.
Melcher said several friends and former MHS athletes discussed the proposal after the recent death of football coach Leroy Dreier.
"Several of us thought it would be fitting to have a scholarship program to benefit student athletes at MHS and recognize outstanding coaches, not limited to Coach Dreier," Melcher said.
Nominations would be made through the school athletic director.
The first scholarship, to honor Coach Dreier, would be for the outstanding senior athlete, he said.
They hope to add a scholarship each year, plus the previous years' awards "according to finances available."
He said the money will "go to the kids but the award will honor coach/teachers."
He said funding could come from a golf tournament and class reunions as well as by solicitation.
Criteria will be set by a committee, subject to school board approval.
"The community will endorse this," I believe, Melcher said, "to show appreciation for the kids. It's for the young people's benefit, but also to honor former coaches." Melcher added, "I believe it will fly."
Superintendent Gerry Henderson said he appreciated Melcher "coming back home to do something for the community."
The board approved the concept.
Details will be announced later. It is anticipated that awards will be made in all sports, male and female.
The criteria for coaches to be nominated include one of the following: being 20 years on the coaching staff at MHS, have won a state championship, had three playoff experiences, five CVL championships, 20 individual state championships, 50 individual state championships, and a varsity winning percentage of 66.7.
Private donations may be sent to USD 408, 101 N. Thorp, Marion.
In other business Monday
Board president Rex Savage presided.
MHS yearbook adviser Lois Smith, accompanied by co-editors Jamie Bernhardt and Krystal Williams, made reports on the school yearbook for the past year.
Williams said yearbooks are "much more than history" because they reflect the school year and memories.
Bernhardt said highlights of the yearbook include the cover. The book gives a detailed accounting of students and activities. "We put in 1,500 woman hours" she said (not including time taking pictures at various events). There were no boys on the staff. Other staff members included Mindy Maag, Jessica Davis, Amy Waner, and Kendra Holub.
Bernhardt said yearbook workers "learn valuable skills, writing, design, photography, and to deal with stress."
The board authorized negotiating to rent the Cottonwood Valley Saddle Horse Building near the stadium for storage of football and track equipment as well as mowing machinery. The contract would be to rent the building only, not the grounds.
Supplemental contracts were signed for Doug Vogel to coach MHS quiz bowl team and Susan Reid to coach the Marion Middle School team.
A regional meeting of Kansas Association of School Boards will be held Oct. 10 at Lindsborg. Members are urged to attend, Henderson said.
No action was taken on an alcohol policy for the school, and it was "for discussion only" until member Gene Bowers made a motion to adopt the policy. Member Keith Collett seconded the motion and it carried 6-0 (Roger Hannaford absent). The policy was changed to be in force all year, not just during school months. Henderson reminded that "attending school is a privilege, not a right."
The annual audit report was given by a representative of Swindol, Janzen, Hawk, and Loyd. No problems were reported and the audit was approved.
The standard benefit package for employees was approved, with no change, by a vote of 6-0.
Hannaford arrived at 8 p.m. and gave the TEEN report. He said the schools in the interactive network are "off to a good start."
Doug Sharp presented the special education report, including settling on the superintendent's compensation. He said "the issue has been resolved."
Marion Elementary School principal Stan Ploutz reported that he sees "a lot of good things" happening. He reminded that Attorney General Carla Stovall will speak at special 9-11 program Wednesday with the public invited.
Ken Arnhold, MHS principal, said things also are "off to a good start" there. "The attitude is good," Arnhold said.
When the agenda items were completed, Savage asked board members for comments. Collett replied, "I feel we are like the family seated at the dining room table, studiously avoiding the elephant in the kitchen."
Contacted later, Collett explained that the board was "ignoring something we obviously know about."
Savage adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
