A new face joined the Eureka USD 389 staff on Monday of this week after the Eureka Board of Education approved her employment during their monthly meeting last Tuesday, Jan. 13.
The lone employment followed a 10-minute executive session for personnel-potential employment with Superinten-dent Scott Hoyt and Eureka Junior/Senior High (EJSHS) Principal Angie Lowe. After returning to open session, the board voted to hire Courtney Bailey as a secondary science teacher at EJSHS, teaching 7th- 9th grade science. Bailey earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Secondary Education from Western Governors University, in Millcreek, Utah. Bailey has also taught at Southeast High School, Mayberry Magnet Middle School and Derby High School. In her spare time, Bailey is a big fan of fantasy literature and media (Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, etc.). She also likes to paint and create sculptures. Bailey also practices wet specimen taxidermy and enjoys the great outdoors with her trusty kayak and fishing rods.
The board also accepted several resignations, including: Beth Asher, Edgenuity Instructor; Karen Bitler, High School Math; Derek Larcom, head junior high football coach; and Stephen Coulter and Patrick Patterson, junior high assistant football coaches. New board member Anthony Treece took the Oath of Office before the meeting began, filling the position of Mike Pitko. The board approved a board vacancy position resolution, as the person receiving the most votes in Position 5 didn’t reside in that district and couldn’t fill the role. A copy of a notice can be found on page 9 of this week’s edition. Those interested in filling the vacancy are encouraged to email Eureka USD 389 Board Clerk Tammi Burtin at [email protected].
The board also approved a resolution to establish the board’s regular meeting dates in July.
To begin their meeting, the board approved to retain President Brian Mongeau and Vice President Brandon Hall.
Board members Austin Evenson and Luke Adkins volunteered to serve on the negotiations committee. Newest board member Treece will serve as an alternate.
EJSHS seniors Cole Ptacek, Timothy Aguilar, Rose Buck, Britta Mongeau, Alaina Westerman, Nate Clark, Lydia Mason and Brenna Rucker, along with FCA advisor Shelly Hoyt shared a presentation on their recent trip to “Passion” in Arlington, Texas. The group attended the event Jan. 1-3 and shared key takeaways with the board. It was shared that the event was a “packed house” with those attending arriving at the facility before sunrise to ensure they had a seat. “These guys were willing to do that without hesitation,” stated Advisor Shelly Hoyt. “Great character of kids.”
Administrative reports were given by Superintendent Hoyt, Principals Lowe and Stacy Coulter and Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Joe Thornburg.
With January being School Board Appreciation Month, Superintendent Hoyt presented all board members with a certificate.
The board also held a 15-minute executive session for student matters with Superintendent Hoyt and Marshall Elementary School Principal Coulter. No decisions were made.
The next monthly meeting of the Eureka USD 389 Board of Education is slated for Monday, Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. at the district office.
