UPPER LAKE — The Upper Lake Union High School District School Board meeting Wednesday saw the election of new and incumbent board members.
President Ron Raetz, Vice President Colleen Alexander, Clerk John Tomkins, and Secretary Patrick Iaccino, also the Superintendent, took their oath of office, administered by District 3 Supervisor Denise Rushing. Board members Colleen Alexander, an incumbent, and new board member Annie Barnes were sworn in.
The first interim budget report was presented by Business Manager Sue Milhaupt. The budget was approved by the board. Secretary Patrick Iaccino said the budget is in stable condition.
“We are currently maintaining a five percent reserve. We had a discussion to move it up an additional percentage point, using some of our mandated money to increase the reserve to six percent for economic uncertainty,” Iaccino said. He said the change will be made in the next two months.
He added that the predicted state budget deficit of $9 to $14 billion “will have an impact on everybody.”
“We”re waiting to find that out, and try to make sure that we can still provide a solid education to our kids,” Iaccino said.
Designation of day and time for regular board meetings was established. Meetings will continue to be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. for closed sessions, with the exception of August, November and December 2008.
A report from a student representative outlined upcoming events for the rest of the first semester, including a winter rally Friday to kick off winter sports and a winter ball.
The booster club announced they opened an account to raise funds for stadium lights. “We”re the only school without stadium lights. Our booster club would be happy to accept donations,” Iaccino said. Donations can be mailed directly to Upper Lake High School, 675 Clover Valley Road, Upper Lake, Calif., 95485. Those wishing to make donations may also contact ULHS at 275-2655.
A representative from the Upper Lake Teachers Association (ULTA) had no complaints. “We settled on the contract between ULTA and the district a month and a half ago, so we”re looking forward to moving forward,” Iaccino said.
The Future Farmers of America made a presentation about their organization and upcoming events. “It was a really nice presentation about some of the things they”re doing,” Iaccino said. He said the FFA has a presence at ULHS. The group is run by instructor Erica Boomer.
Iaccino said overall, the meeting went “relatively well” with “no big surprises.” “We were happy to see Denise Rushing there.” He said some students in the school are interested in getting into newspaper writing, and a discussion about having some of them learn journalism skills and possibly intern at the Record-Bee occurred at the meeting.
Contact Elizabeth Wilson at ewilson@record-bee.com
