POMEROY–The School Board learned of a coming transportation budget shortfall, an increase in K-3 fall enrollment, approved new hire Bob Wolf and gave the Senior Class's five-day request a thumb's up.

COVID-19 impacts on ridership across the state, has created a shortage in the transportation operating budget for the district by $108,000 off about 40% less than last year's budget.

The state formulas that dictate transportation funding pencil out that Pomeroy Schools' transportation department will see the 40% drop, however, the district will move forward with the purchase of a new bus, due to the current TVF funding and addition dedicated funds in place.

Superintendent Rachel Gwinn presented projected numbers for transitional Kindergarten through Sixth Grade enrollment, with several classes expected to be large – Kindergarten is projected to have 29 students, First Grade projected to have 29 also, and Third Grade as large as 31. Due to these numbers, Gwinn is working with staff to develop an instructional plan for the 2021–22 school year that will adhere to the K-3 student/teacher ratio while being fiscally responsible and result in the best possible instruction.

The board approved a recommendation to hire Bob Wolf as the new Junior High Boys Basketball coach at the meeting on March 30.

Two board policies were updated as well, BP3241 and 3432-Emergencies. BP3241 now includes the Rights and Responsibilities information that was a part of BP3200, which has been retired.

The board was informed by Gwinn that the Administration is currently working on the discipline policy procedures because of updated laws that do not allow districts to remove students from the learning environment unless other interventions have been implemented. Staff, parents and the community will receive information about the established procedure.

The senior five-day request was presented to the board by Nick Vendeland, McKenzie Watko, and Emma Severs, seniors of 2021. Their request was approved.

The superintendent of the Prescott school, Justin Bradford, gave a presentation on successfully interacting with challenging students.