Royal School Board meeting relatively quiet

ROYAL CITY - Compared to previous meetings, the Royal School Board meeting of March 23 was relatively quiet. There were about 50 guests, but only three spoke, and briefly.

Red Rock Elementary computer lab teacher Kathy Freeman extended a new invitation to board members to visit the schools. She also said there is "a lot of confusion" regarding board meeting dates and times.

The board asked Superintendent Rose Search to seek a way to improve notification of district patrons. One suggestion she made is a note in student Tuesday Folders.

Lourdes Estudillo, who made comments in support of Search and the job she is doing, also asked for better communication of meeting dates and times. She asked that meetings not be held during daytime work hours.

Maria Luisa Guzman, who was concerned about Search's status, said other parents planned to be at the March 23 meeting but didn't know about it. She noted she and other parents don't have computers with which to get on line.

After community input, District Business Manager David Andra presented the Above & Beyond Award to Karen Lasen.

"She has changed the teachers' potluck into a culinary experience," he said.

Search reported there were 1,634 students in the district in March. She said 112 kindergartners have signed up for kindergarten camp. Lisa Buster reported there are 165 special-needs children in the district.

Search polled the board members about their preference for board meetings, paper packets or iPads. Warren Small was the last holdout for paper.

"I'll get used to the iPad," he said.

The board heard from the new intermediate school construction supervisor. He said the project is on schedule, maybe a little ahead. Work that day included roofing, painting and the gym. Board members scheduled dates for making a tour of the project.

The board agreed to change Dan Miller's lease term for 35 acres the district owns near Royal Camp from six years to 10 years. He has farmed the land for years.

Search said Miller plans to install a circle and that Miller told her it will take 10 years of farming the ground to recoup his costs.