Students recognized for academics

ODESSA—Principal Jamie Nelson said The National Honor Society packed and delivered over 30 Thanksgiving baskets to community members at the School Board Meeting on Tuesday, November 22.

The society inducted the following students: Collin Martin, Jacob Scrupps, Hayden Schuh, Melloney Deife, Lily Starkel, Mackenzie Lutz, Reegan Carstensen, Casen Watson and Holden Iverson.

There is a current discussion amongst staff about future training opportunities to strengthen intervention programs for math and ELA.

Staff is also discussing leadership opportunities for junior high students and a credit recovery plan to support students who have not passed state-required graduation courses.

Superintendent John Bruce said he met with Connie Kiliewer from the Educational Service District about changing the testing format for highly capable students.

He said the district is proposing an educational programs and operation levy, a capital levy and a one-year transportation vehicle fund levy after the loss of two buses due to transmission failure and another incident.

Bruce said no one responded to the For/ Against committee advertisements for the upcoming levies.

He shared that items to be considered on the legislative agenda this year will include fully funding special education, school meals and transportation.

Facilities manager Justin Parr said Kyser Mechanical is evaluating and creating a plan to solve the pipe leak in the elementary wing.

Parr reported that the insurance money from a recent bus accident would be used to purchase a used bus pending board approval.

The insurance company will donate the wrecked bus to the Odessa Fire Department.