At the Feb. 2 meeting of the Fowler School Board, members accepted the resignation of long-time district bus driver, Penny Baker. Baker and her husband, Dan, will be moving out of the area. “We hope the best for Penny,” stated Interim Superintendent Steven Grasmick. Board President, Suzanne Anarde added the board extends their thanks for her years of service. Baker's bus route north of town will now be driven by Sue Hardy. Hardy's route to La Junta will be taken over by Jack Hobby.
Grasmick reported at a recent board meeting of BOCES, he and Fowler School Board member, Jason Bitter, learned the Colorado Department of Education approved allowing Florence School District to withdraw from the South Central BOCES program. According to Grasmick, this move will have a detrimental financial effect on Fowler and 11 other districts remaining in the program. An appeal will be filed with the State.
Board members were updated on progress being made with the GOCO athletic field project. Fowler School District has signed a contract with Gabe Flanscha to secure land at the north end of the present football field, making expansion possible. Woods Fire and Tree Service has removed trees at the north end of the field, and district maintenance supervisor, Randy Corsentino has organized the removal of poles and concrete on the field. Drainage issues related to the field's new construction will be handled between the district's engineer and the town's, reported Anarde.
Before adjourning, the board retired to executive session. Following that, board members voted to extend a medical leave of absence for Jerry Bonds until June 30, 2010. It was also approved to remove the interim status from Steven Grasmick's title. Grasmick will now officially fill the position of Fowler School District Superintendent as well as Fowler Elementary Principal. According to Anarde, this decision was reached with the help of input from recent community Focus Group meetings. The school district, like every other district in the state, is facing severe budget restraints making it impossible for Fowler to continue with the Superintendent, elementary principal and secondary principal structure used until this year. Anarde says, “As we move forward with tough budget decisions and changes, we are confident that Steven will continue to lead our district in an exemplary manner,” adding, “We know that Doc’s faith and belief in the strength of our district was based on his confidence in the individuals who make up the R4J staff and community. We share that faith and belief.”
The next two meeting dates for Fowler School Board are March 8 and March 22 at 7 p.m.
