Board discusses athletic matters

Douglas High School’s Athletic Director Stephanie Phillips gave a presentation on athletic gate fees at the Jan. 22 school board meeting held in the DUSD board room.

She explained how student fees to participate in athletic events vary throughout southern Arizona.

Currently DUSD students are charged $10 to participate in sports. If they are on free or reduced lunch the charge is waived. Students are not charged to attend games; adults are charged a $4 entry fee.

Phillips showed the cost associated with sporting events by using a football game as an example. Security cost a minimum of $180, off-duty police minimum $320 (off-duty officers are only used when large crowds are expected), officials $305, ticket sellers $140, clock operator a flat rate of $35, and the announcer a flat rate of $35 which is a total of $1015 per game.

According to Phillips the announcer fee is waived at times by announcer.

The total cost in the past was off-set with student and adult entry fee proceeds.

Superintendent Shelia Rogers reminded the board that the no charge for students was only a pilot program. The student fee would be reevaluated later this year for the following year.

Other issues brought forward by Phillips during sporting events were the various unattended children. She feels with as many unattended children this could lead to injuries, behavior and security issues.

The board agreed to meet at a later time to discuss athletic event issues along with other athletic matters.

Superintendent Rogers announced to the board that a graduation was held on Jan. 28 for students that did not walk last summer because of the AIMS. Rogers said four students have passed the AIMS. Event was held at the DHS auditorium.

The City of Douglas and DUSD have entered an intergovernmental agreement for an after school program. The program will start on Feb. 4, the school participating will be Clawson, Joe Carlson, Stevenson and Sarah Marley. Faras Elementary current provides the 21st Century program.

The board then moved along to other items on the agenda.

They approved the hiring of Renee Ricksheim as the new science teacher at Douglas High School and substitute teacher Victoria Lara.

Jennifer Snyder was approved for compensation for highly qualified teacher and relocation within the school year.

Cherlyn Fernandez, Arely Del Rio and Freddie Rubang were also approved for compensation for additional duties and responsibilities.

Enrique Peralta, bus driver, was approved an increase in hours from 20 hours to 27.5 hours to transport students with special needs and McKinney Vento.

Paula Shelton, Mario Romero and Kristi Cormier were approved as DHS girl’s tennis volunteer coaches. Angel Ortega was also approved as the DHS baseball volunteer coach.

The gifted and talented teach job description as well was approved.

Clawson Special Education teacher, Sally Hamilton’s retirement request for the end of 2013/2014 school year was approved.

The resignations of Instructional Aides effective January 7, 2013, Mary Laborin, Ana D. Fernandez, and Rebecca Meraz were also approved. Bertha Verdugo the migrant secretary will be leaving the district June 28, 2013.

The board approved donations from Action Screen Print to the DHS Baseball Club for $404. A donation from the Arizona Community Foundation to the DHS Land Lab for $1,900 and a $35 donation from Kerry and Kelly Glenn-Kimbro were approved. A donation from Wal-Mart in the amount of $500 to the Curriculum and Federal Program Department was approved. Jeffrey Hrycko and Betty Jo Grajeda’s $600 donation to DHS was also approved. Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association/Southern Arizona Chapter for DHS Math and Science Departments in the amount of $8,100 was also approved.

The Cochise College Education 201 to perform classroom observations at district school, elementary, middle schools, high school and the cover of retirement fee for retired substitute teachers were approved.

An executive session was held for the termination and or acceptance of the resignation of Special Education Instructional Aide, Erika Buelna. The board accepted the resignation of Ms. Buelna and would not be reconsidered for rehire.

The next board meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 in the DUSD board room.