Cold Weather and Your Student

Now that cold weather is here, it is important for parents to make sure their students are adequately clothed for the temperature and conditions. Warm jackets, pants, appropriate footwear and gloves are essential.

When the temperature (taking into consideration the wind chill factor) drops below ten degrees, the elementary school will hold indoor recess. Otherwise students will have recess outside and they need to be prepared to dress appropriately.

Generally we do not allow elementary students to enter the building until 8:15 AM. Please do not send your child to school earlier than that if he or she walks to school. When the temperature drops to ten degrees or below, we will allow students to go to their classroom versus waiting outside but it would be helpful if students did not arrive too early. The teachers have many responsibilities in the morning to ready their classrooms for the arrival of students. You support would be appreciated.

Idaho is a beautiful state with four seasons. Each season places personal demands on each of us. What a great opportunity for students to learn how to cope with these changing seasons. We will continue to do our part; please reinforce the message at home. Thank you.

Superintendent Search

The search officially begins today to hire a new superintendent/K-6 principal to replace me as I retire June 30. The Board of Trustees appointed a hiring committee in November consisting of the five trustees, Kelley Porter, Russ Zenner, Bill Newbry, Lezah Shinkle, Peter Crowley and Heidi Waisanen to review applications, interview candidates and follow up on recommendations. The position closes on January 11, 2010.

The committee will review application materials beginning January 18, followed by interviews, possible site visit(s) and a recommendation to the Board in February for the new hire. The position begins July 1, 2010.

Rather than hiring a consulting firm, the Board opted to conduct the hiring process internally. The Board developed a hiring process with a time line, revised the job description, and requested that a four-color brochure be prepared by staff, printed and distributed to all school districts in Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. College placement offices and other educational job listing services in the Pacific Northwest also have the position listed. A job description and application form is available on the District's employment web site.

We all know that the Genesee School District is the top rural school in Idaho and can compete with any school district in the region. Couple that fact with the quality of life that the community of Genesee affords its citizens and we believe we will successfully locate a superintendent/principal that can continue to move the District forward and meet the challenges that exist today and tomorrow.