Ontario’s Board of Education met on June 11 and discussed communications, the band’s Chicago trip, and introductions of new teachers. Communications for the maintenance department was introduced as a cost-saving measure.
Superintendent, Lisa Carmichael praised Director of Maintenance Brad Swain. Carmichael said, “He’s very hands on working with janitors. You will see him out and about on our grounds.”
Swain is working on bringing communication in the system up to date for maintenance purposes. This will eliminate unnecessary costs.
The new system will be able to diagnose problems through the database and problems can be fixed within minutes. Carmichael said, “Brad has been a tremendous asset to our team. The costs have been cut heavily. He has been a breath of fresh air.”
During the meeting, band director Mike Schwall asked for approval for a trip to Chicago for the Ontario High School Marching Band. The band will travel to Chicago to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March 2014.
Schwall said, “I think it will be a great opportunity for our kids to see some of the historical and educational aspects of Chicago. It’s also a great representation of our school and community out of state,” stated Schwall.
He reported that the community supported the trip by raising $7,704.38 in donations for new band uniforms.
In the meeting, the board also introduced new teachers.
Jeff Fisher, who attended the meeting, was hired to teach history at Ontario High School. Carmichael also introduced Meghan Willeke and she was welcomed as a new English teacher at Ontario High School for the 2013-14 school year. Kristin Jacobs was approved as an elementary teacher for fourth grade students.
Finally, the Ontario Substance Abuse Program was addressed at the meeting. Board member Andy Chalk reported a strong decline in drug use in the schools.