Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Discusses funds; accepts donations
ODESSA — The Odessa School Board approved multiple new coaching hires, accepted community donations, and reviewed key financial and academic updates during its regular meeting Wednesday, March 26, in the high school library.
Board members Chris Crossley, Carmen Weishaar, Janie Steward, Zach Schafer and Sheena Starkel were present, along with Superintendent Steve Fisk, Principal Cori Kane, District Secretary Holli Eden and Kristen Sebesta. Chairman Crossley opened the meeting at 6 p.m. with the flag salute.
During the staff and public input portion of the meeting, Sebesta presented Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) data for K-12 students.
The board approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes of the Feb. 26 regular meeting and the approval of vouchers and payroll. General Fund vouchers totaled $109,143.65.
Associated Student Body Fund vouchers totaled $17,284.96. Payroll, including warrants and direct deposit, totaled $341,284.77.
Superintendent Fisk reported on budgeting plans for the 2025-26 school year. The district is anticipating an increase in special education enrollment due to new testing requirements. Fisk said he plans to attend an upcoming superintendent policy meeting and meet with representatives from Tribal Schools.
The February financial report was presented, showing an ending General Fund balance of $785,906.62. Fisk also presented the Associated Student Body balance sheet and financial activity reports for all district funds.
Fisk briefly discussed legislative issues that may impact the district. Principal Kane reported that student-led conferences have begun and are proving meaningful for both students and teachers. The district has purchased Tier 2 instruction materials to support MTSS. Kane said she and Fisk, along with Kimberly Ryan, are working on credit recovery efforts for the 15 students currently needing to recover credits.
Kane, also serving as athletic director, reported the start of high school spring sports. The junior high softball team has 19 athletes, and Wilson Creek will provide an assistant softball coach. The junior high baseball team has 17 athletes, while the junior high track team has 12. The high school baseball team played its first game this week. Fall sports schedules have been finalized.
Board member Carmen Weishaar thanked the district for supporting attendance at the Small Schools Conference in Wenatchee, saying the three attending board members found it worthwhile.
Superintendent Fisk reported on facilities in the absence of Operations Supervisor Justin Parr. Repairs were made to a storage shed due to a water leak, and Parr has been working with Avista on a charging station grant. The district is considering hiring a new grounds employee after spring break.
The board scheduled its next regular meeting for Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the high school library, preceded by a workshop at 5:15 p.m.
The board approved the hiring of Abby Lindberg as junior high girls softball coach, Joshua Clark as junior high track coach and Ryan Scheib as junior high boys baseball coach, all as recommended by Superintendent Fisk.
The board accepted a donation from the Odessa Athletic Booster Club for new scoreboards at the football field and high school gym. A donation from Thrivent was also accepted in support of the Tim Hauge Scholarship.
The board approved the 2025-26 school calendar. No executive session was held. Chairman Crossley adjourned the meeting at 6:54 p.m.
Olivia Harnack is the award-winning managing editor/photographer/videographer/columnist at the Lincoln County Record-Times, with offices in both Davenport and Odessa, Wash. She is a University of Idaho graduate and a U.S. Army National Guardsman.
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