R-II Board approves Middle School wrestling

Taking social distancing seriously, the El Dorado Springs R-II Board held its April 14 meeting in the High School gym with each board members at his or her own table within hollering distance of the others. Present were Chad Whitesell, Mark Burley, Terry Shepard, Rusty Murry, Josh Floyd and Darrell Eason – presiding. Absent was Board Member Benny Brower. Also present at their own tables were Board Secretary Tonia Molz and Superintendent Mark Koca.

In the audience in the bleachers was Assistant Superintendent Dr. Theresa Christian, Athletic Director Jeremy Barger and the Superintendent-elect Heath Oates. Kimball and Kenny Long, Sun newspaper, were the only media present.

The board approved the payment of bills totaling $106.916.09.

In closed session the board hired Shelby Loane – Elementary and Sara McClintic – Title 1. They accepted the resignations of Robert Jansen – High School and Paula Oehring – Elementary. The board rehired Allyson Schmitt – High School Math.

The board discussed the possibility of starting Middle School wrestling in 2020.

AD Jeremy Barger told the board they could do it with the one mat they already have. He said all schools in the conference have it. He said it would cost $2,254 to add a Middle School wrestling coach.

He said the sport’s season would be finished by Christmas break. It would include boys and girls. The total cost would be about $3,000,

The board voted to approve Middle School wrestling for the 20-21 school year.

Supt. Koca said that Apple is asking for 70% of the contract with the buses not running. He said they will put the drivers back on the payroll. He said Apple is worried about getting drivers when school reopens.

The board voted to pay Apple what they requested.

The board voted to approve the amended Opaa contract.

Supt. Koca told the board, “By the end of the year you will be required to have a plan for dealing with a pandemic.” He said he is already working on such a plan.

He reported that the cafeteria is sending out 460 meals as of now. They go out on Monday packed with three breakfasts and three lunches and Thursday packed with two breakfasts and two lunches. Teachers, administrator, cafeteria staff and other volunteers deliver the sack lunches to the bus ramp by the cafeteria, Montevallo, Dederick, Cedar Springs, (look at list in previous stories to fill in spots).

To get on the list, call the main number at the school.

The superintendent said, “It sure has been a weird spring.”