Black Butte School set for new year

The recent resignation of Dr. Craig Nikolai as Superintendent has left a large vacancy at Black Butte School. Two and a half weeks before school begins, the restructuring of school management was a key issue at this month's board meeting.

The Black Butte School has seen several resignations in the past two months. At the last board meeting of June 24, Toni Brown resigned as business manager and was replaced by Scott Pillar. Rhonda Adovnik resigned as maintenance person and Scott McNitt was hired temporarily in July to fill in until a custodian/maintenance person is hired. Subsequent to the June meeting, the new superintendent, Craig Nikolai, announced his resignation.

This month's board meeting of August 12 saw the resignation of one of the school's three teachers. DeeDee Cashwell, the K-3 teacher, tendered her resignation effective immediately. The board also received a resignation letter from one of it's own members, Glen Corbett, who in her letter stated she hoped a parent would step in to fill her spot on the board.

In spite of all the changes, the volunteer board seems to be stepping up to the challenge and taking it all in their stride. Pillar, who is also Board Chairman for High Desert Educational Service District (ESD) has elicited HD ESD's help to address several issues normally addressed by a superintendent. HD ESD has already provided advice to BBS in July on legal and accounting issues and financial advice pertaining to the state school fund.

The board has made a decision to not hire a superintendent this year, and voted later in the meeting to utilize the services of HD ESD to work with Pillar in addressing the responsibilities of the position.

Dennis Dempsey, Superintendent of High Desert Education Service District, immediately addressed the issue of replacing the K-3 teacher position.

"Things like this happen in school districts all the time," he said.

He suggested some hiring resources and recommended they focus on hiring a teacher by the last week in August. Along with that, he suggested they make a decision about full- or half-time kindergarten based on registration.

The school will also be advertising for an Educational Assistant along with a Bus Driver/Custodian position.

Discussion continued about where bussing could be provided or alternatively if reimbursement should be provided to parents transporting their own children.

Decisions will be determined before the start of the school year and involved parents will be contacted.

School starts September 2 at 7:45 a.m. School registration has been open since August 12. Registration forms are available outside the Black Butte School. To have forms mailed, call the school at 595-6203. Camp Sherman residents should register even if their child travels to Sisters for classes.