RE-1 BOE back in school

by Gretchen Orr
WALSENBURG— The Huerfano RE-1 Board of Education met Tuesday for the first time since school resumed and finalized old business including approval of volunteer and substitute lists, coaches and teachers.  The BOE also accepted the resignation of Peakview teacher Teresa England.  
Jeffery Higgins, who resigned last spring as Peakview counselor, came back to the district and was approved as the special education teacher.  Theresa Martinez was approved as the interventionist at Peakview, Tracie Younger as the district nurse, and Eric Shivery as secondary English teacher at Peakview. The final position to be filled, third grade teacher at Peakview, is close to being filled, pending acceptance of the district offer.
Principals reported dates for back to school nights.  Pam Levie said Gardner School will have their family night tonight.  Peakview’s will be September 2, and JMHS’s was last night. 
Two items of discussion concerned generating revenue for the district. The first was the lease of a vacant facility (the former auto shop) to Gary Vigil for use as his personal storage and automotive shop.  The proposed lease has yet to be worked out but Vigil will be responsible for rent, utilities and insurance.  The BOE will vote on the proposal at the September 9th meeting. The second revenue generating item concerned selling advertising banners for placement in the JMHS gym to be viewed by fans during the volleyball, basketball and wrestling competitions during the 2015-16 season. The vinyl banners will stay up year round.  The cost will be $500, which includes the banner.  The objective is to place 20 banners. 
The final issue discussed was a proposal presented by Ameresco, a company which does energy feasibility audits.  Their proposal includes utilizing Energy Performance Contracts that have the potential to save the district close to 30% or $74,000 a year over 15 years, by upgrading energy-using equipment, and converting it to clean, green and sustainable energy.   
Superintendent Moore also informed the BOE he has applied for a $100,000 Diagnostic and Improvement Planning Grant, which would help the district with UIP and education performance reviews.
The district is also taking bids to complete the sports complex locker rooms, and hope to have it done in September. This will allow JMHS the ability to offer the track this spring to host track meets including districts and regionals.