BOURBON – New staff hires, guidance reports and the superintendent evaluation were discussed at the Triton School Board meeting Monday. Superintendent Donna Burroughs mentioned the new staff hires with Triton School Corporation at the outset of the meeting. “A lot of tough decisions have been made,” she said. The new staff includes: Bruce Gephart, maintenance director; Samantha Graverson Willsey, teacher and varsity volleyball coach; Michelle Babcock, treasurer-business manager; Richard Walter, bus driver; Amy Chizum, elementary custodian; Michael Baney, high school computer technician; and Brad Hargrave, 2013-2015 baseball coach. The same teachers and instructional assistants will also be working this year at summer school. These include Jill Finley, Shawna Shively, Curt Kreft, Ashleigh Hanby, Brittney Brosman, Pat Shearer, Denise Shafer, Mary Hayes and Lana Hostrawser. Guidance Counselor Charlene Koenig discussed her successes with the counseling program this year. Koenig put together an advisory committee that met four times this year, and implemented anti-bullying programs. She created a webpage for students to email the counselors, and these messages were kept anonymous to help students feel more comfortable. Even though she saw this as very successful, next year, Koenig wants something “even more extensive.” Koenig also showed students real-life scenarios with the “Reality Store.” Students agreed after participating in the “Reality Store” game that “having kids is expensive.” With such success, Koenig plans to use this game as a teaching tool again next year. Superintendent Donna Burroughs sought approval for leasing computers for four years. Burroughs said leasing would expand computer use and at the end of the leasing term, students can purchase the computers for $1. “It makes cycling of computers possible for a district our size,” Burroughs said. Burroughs also applauded junior high science teacher Janet Jackson for pursuing a grant to build a 3D printer. “I think the students will really enjoy that,” Burroughs said. “We have a lot of great team leaders here on the Triton staff.” Burroughs concluded the meeting by discussing the old Bourbon gym project. She said the building is in need of renovations due to its daily use. There will be a meeting with the Triton community June 26 at 7 p.m. to discuss the future of the gym.
