New school board members sworn in

The Williams Unified School District Governing Board started out its December meeting by swearing in three new board members — Janet Cothren, Joyce McNelly and Bruce Baker.

The trio will replace Cindy Christman, Jan Harker and John Eavis on the board starting in January.

Band projects

At the October school board meeting, Scott Grimes, district band teacher, addressed the board about using the Williams Elementary/Middle School auditorium to show movies as a band fund-raiser, which the board approved.

At the Dec. 6 meeting, Grimes said the band had paid for a movie screen and is now looking to purchase a LCD projector worth $12,000.

"That’s pretty expensive," he said. "I’ve met with the mayor (Ken Edes) and some of his advisors and they’ve agreed to pay half.

"It’s a great project for the community and the kids. I think they (city council members) are very positive and pro-school."

Grimes said he has arranged to get the projector for $7,000.

"We can purchase a $12,000 machine for $3,500," he said to the board.

The board approved the joint purchase of the projector with the city.

Johnson Controls

For the third time, Bank One was on the school board’s agenda looking for approval of a loan for the Johnson Controls energy conservation project. This time it was approved, contingent on the lawyers giving the okay for the contract.

"Johnson Controls tells us this project can be completed in a couple of weeks," said Jac Heiss, superintendent.

The $116,000 project entails replacing the lights for the district with more energy efficient fixtures. Johnson Controls has guaranteed the school district substantial savings from the project, which will be used to pay back the loan.

At the meeting, the school board also approved:

• The resignation of David Garlock, Williams High School history teacher.

"Effective Monday (Dec. 4) Mr. Garlock is reassigned to the elementary/middle school in a support position," Heiss said. "He will assist in a non-instructional capacity for the rest of the school year."

Paying the bills totaling $413,382.

• Employing Gary Eddy as a bus driver/maintenance person and David Garibay as the WEMS assistant basketball coach.

• Changing Jeff Newland from a time sheet employee to a contract.

During the call to the audience, Kristi Fredrickson, Williams Education Association president, addressed the board about the change.

"The WEA would like to say we’re pleased to see an hourly employee being offered a contract," she said.

However, Fredrickson went on to state eight other district personnel have been long-term employees with the school and have never been offered a contract, which would entitle them to benefits.

• Amending the contracts for: Rick Shipley, first semester history and Ambrosio Reyes and Brenda Adams for custodial night time differential.

• Volunteers Marie Otero and Teresa Stevens for the WHS cheer.

• The resignation of Gail Tetrick as the WEMS student council advisor.

• Sally Bond and Meggin Kirk as co-advisors for the WEMS student council.

• Hiring Cronstrom & Trbovich, from Scottsdale, for audit services.

• Out of state travel on May 3-5 for the school band’s annual trip to Disneyland.