The Triton School Board held their first meeting of 2021 on Monday, January 11.
During the reorganization session, the oath of office was administered to newly elected members, Wes Rettinger and Kevin Boyer. Both are returning members to the board. By unanimous vote, the newly elected officers are Terri Barnhart, president; Kevin Boyer, vice-president; and Steve Stichter, secretary. Ken Miller will also continue as a member of the board. Other Triton School board appointments include Stitcher as ISBA Delegate and Legislative Liasion; Rettinger will be the Student Handbook Committee representative and Barnhart will serve as the Textbook Adoption Committee representative and Board Policy representative.
The Triton School board will continue to meet on the second Monday of each month. The agenda lists the Administration Building as the location for meetings, but due to COVID restrictions, meetings may be held in the Triton Jr/Sr High School library to allow for social distancing.
Superintendent Jeremy Riffle announced that they will begin taking applications for the duo positions of Athletic Director and Assistant Principal this month. Currently, the positions are held by Mason McIntyre who tendered his resignation effective at the end of the school year.
Riffle also explained that there are three vacation days that will be placed back into the school calendar. The days of January 29, February 15, and April 23 could be used as makeup days if needed; however, the state is waiving the requirement of holding classes for 180 days. Since the Triton Corporation is designated as a Performance School, they are allowed to reach the comparable number of hours to the 180 days. Riffle says it gives the corporation a great deal more flexibility.
At this time, Triton Elementary is serving 8 students virtually on a regular basis and also providing virtual education to 8 additional students who are quarantined due to social distancing tracing. The Jr/Sr High School has 19 being instructed at home and an additional 34 who are quarantined.
Principal Nathan McKeand gave an overview of the use of after school study tables at the Jr/Sr High that are open to all students and they specifically encourage struggling students to attend for extra help.
Christine Cook, principal of Triton Elementary, said, students are now able to travel to the library, computer room and art room for instruction.
Carol Anders Correspondent
