The Clear Fork Valley Board of Education (BOE) not only honored retirees in its regular meeting Thursday evening in Bellville, but heard from community members regarding the district’s illegal substance testing policy and discussed a possible contract with Adidas for sponsorship of sports teams.
Retirees Lois Gatton, Marsha Gerhardt, Catherine Kinley, Joyce Flockerzie and Dean Mowry were each presented with a plaque in recognition of their years of service in the Clear Fork school district. The plaques were presented by each retiree’s supervisor, along with a brief biography and, in some cases, tearful hugs.
Gatton, currently the sixth grade intervention specialist at Clear Fork Middle School, was presented her plaque by Clear Fork Middle School Principal Steve Bloir. Bloir noted that Gatton is retiring with 25.16 years in education, and he then led the crowd in a rousing version of a phrase Gatton was known to use in teaching, “Latitude is flat; longitude is long.”
“Lois is going to join the world of retired teachers. She has a new, big venture coming her way. She’s going to become a grandmother,” said Bloir.
Butler Elementary Principal Matt Caputo honored Gerhardt, a third grade teacher at Butler Elementary, with a short speech and presented her with a plaque before passing the podium on to Gerhardt.
“I feel very blessed and proud to have worked in the Clear Fork School District. My experience has been rich with caring, professional people who work hard and expect every child to be successful. We truly work as a team, giving support, direction, and comic relief. It will be hard to leave Butler School, and I know I will feel a great void next year,” said Gerhardt.
Catherine Kinley, a first grade teacher at Butler Elementary School, was also honored by Caputo, who spoke of Kinley’s adventures before she began teaching in Butler.
“Picture a bus, designed by Cathy, driving down a very narrow mountain hill in rural Appalachia, going out to help young people earn their GED. Cathy is driving the bus, chalk board in back, several needed supplies, and even, at that time, a computer,” said Caputo. “She gives new meaning to the Magic Schoolbus.”
Kelly Stanford, Director of Clear Fork Support Services Department, became emotional while presenting a plaque to retiree Joyce Flockerzie, Clear Fork High School Secretary.
“She handled it well,” he said of the many hectic times Flockerzie faced. “She handled it with a lot of grace. I can’t say enough about what she’s meant to me.”
Dean Mowry, support staff member at Butler Elementary, was recognized for his years of service by Clear Fork Maintenance Department Director of Physical Facilities Dale Bowman.
“I’ve learned more of the on goings and little inside things of the school,” said Mowry. “A lot of teachers do a lot of extra and stay over. I see that; custodians see that.”
In other activity, local resident and Clear Fork parent Naomi Wade addressed the board regarding the district’s illegal substance testing policy.
Wade expressed her concern over the policy being “interpreted” rather than being enforced as written. She requested the policy be clarified so that there is no longer a gray area.
“We agree with you on that. We don’t want the gray areas,” said board member Jim Jackson.
“We are supportive of the language being very clear,” said BOE President Jim DeSanto.
Among other items discussed was the recommendation that the board enter into an agreement with Adidas for footwear, apparel, and accessories beginning May 1, 2014 and ending April 30, 2017.
Concerns were expressed that student athletes would be required to purchase Adidas items not provided by the school and that they would not be permitted to wear other brands of footwear.
Athletic Director Benji Bethea assured the board this was not the case, but he would, after discussion, seek a new contract that expressed only items purchased by the school would be required to be Adidas brand.
No vote was taken at that time.
