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BOURBON – Triton School Board on Monday approved an outdoor classroom at the elementary school, brought forth by the parent-teacher organization.
PTO President Carolyn Crooks said the PTO has been working for the past few years to put together a big-enough fund to do something really good for the school. One of the ideas that kept coming up was an outdoor classroom space teachers could utilize.
A survey was taken and 75% of teachers said they would use that space. Fifty percent of teachers had a preference of using the school’s courtyard as the outdoor classroom space, 33% said they preferred using the north side of the school and 16% of teachers wanted to use the corner of the playground. Eighty-three percent of teachers wanted a white-board design to be included in the space.
Crooks said some of the intended uses for the space include enjoying the weather while teaching, science activities and planting projects. Crooks said they would love to put some igloos in that space.
The PTO has all the funding ready for the outdoor classroom space.
Crooks said they want to make sure teachers are taken care of, they have to teach their students every day and the PTO wants to provide teachers everything they don’t have.
The PTO also brought forward a second potential project they are working on.
Crooks said they were looking into a teacher lounge refresh to make a more comfortable and functional space for teachers and staff. Initial feedback from teachers and staff includes furniture upgrades. The PTO approved to move forward with the project and planning is underway.
Crooks said the PTO is seeking out donations and grant opportunities for the project.
Later in the meeting, the board approved an agreement regarding the Triton Trojan Sports Network (TTSN).
The TTSN moved to a pay-per-view model for viewing Triton sports. Cost will be $10 per month to watch varsity sports, said Superintendent Jeremy Riffle.
The change has brought a mix of reactions, he said. Many people understand the time, cost and heart that go into productions from elementary to varsity sports. What many don’t see is the behind-the-scenes things, such as cost of maintaining equipment, meals and gas. So far this year, the TTSN crew have covered over 150 events.
In other business, the board:
• Approved the 2026-27 school calendar. First day for students is Aug. 12. Last day of class is May 27 with high school graduation on May 28.
• Heard final exams at the high school will be Dec. 17-18.
• Approved the hiring of Sarrah Arvesen as the junior-senior high school assistant principal.
