LOWER LAKE— Before the regularly scheduled board meeting on Wednesday, KUSD hosted a meet and greet for the incoming superintendent, Becky Salato, which was well attended by staff and community. Salato began by stating that everyone has been very welcoming and that she is looking forward to beginning her work. She emphasized that she is open and transparent and that “her door is always open”.
Lake County Superintendent of Schools, Brock Falkenberg was in attendance and stated, “I am looking forward to working with Becky and will continue to support the school district.”
Donna Becnel, outgoing superintendent stated that she has mixed emotions about retiring and leaving KUSD. “I worked with an amazing administrative team and we did some incredible work, but it’s time for new adventures. My husband is retiring and we want to take the time to travel, golf and play with the grandkids.”
Board Member Bill Diener stated that Becnel did an amazing job and there is always nervousness that occurs when change happens, but he is confident with Salato’s abilities. He believes Salato will bring a new positive peace and additional experience to the district. “Donna did the same great things when she came into the district. We will miss her.”
After the Meet and Greet, “Student of the Year” awards were presented by school site administrators. The recipients included Michelle Koroma and Damian Meza Martinez from Burns Valley School, Emily Nichols and Malachi Gonzales from W.C. Carle High, Ian Reid and Rosy Cocharo from East Lake School, Ire Rivera, Arianna Covarrubias, Gabrielle Murray and Seth Smalley from Konocti Education Center, Emanuel Rangel, Jimena Gallegos, Gilberto Lopez and Grace Tucker from Lower Lake High School, Dominic Mendoza and Brittany Wade from Pomo School.
During the board meeting, a scholarship of $2000 was awarded to Jesus Laso Rodriguez by John Greenlee, managing director of Caldwell Flores Winters, Inc. Rodriguez completed the career technical automotive course, was on the soccer team and spent a great deal of time mentoring freshmen.
Also during the board meeting, Dana Moore, director of maintenance, operations, transportation and construction provided construction updates to include the installation of security cameras and the modernization of some school facilities. He stated that KUSD had a total of 20 million dollars in bond money left and that there was “plenty of money left to complete all projects and then some”. The board was concerned about the progress of the Lower Lake High School all-weather track as well as other high school projects. Moore assured them that there was enough money to complete all projects contained within the Facilities Master Plan.
The Konocti Unified School District board of trustees meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise indicated. The third Wednesday of each month is a bard Workshop. Board meetings are held at the Carol McClung Conference Center, 9430-B Lake Street, Lower Lake, CA 95457-0759.
Open Session regularly begins at 6:15 p.m
Prior to joining the Record-Bee as a freelancer covering education and local news items, Mary Phillips worked in education as a teacher and an administrator for 34 years
