Poplar School Leaders Look Ahead During Meeting
Superintendent of Schools Keith Erickson shared some of his experiences regarding his first year in the position during the Poplar School Board meeting on Monday, June 23.
Erickson told trustees that he is grounded in his student-first philosophy. “That’s what will continue next year and it will continue,” Erickson said. He added that he is pleased that the school district’s committee meetings have been more consistent and have featured better attendance.
Erickson discussed increasing wellness efforts for both students and staff. He noted that four students have died during the last year. He has been thinking of ways to provide emotional support for students during summer months. One board suggestion was having the crisis team available in the summer.
He found that the superintendent’s position deals with a lot of moving pieces and he listed a variety of jobs in the school district that are all key to reach success. “These are all moving pieces that we need to keep moving in the same direction for the betterment of all of our students,” Erickson said.
Erickson thanked trustees for being supportive. “It made my first year much easier.”
He has one more year remaining on his two-year contract.
Poplar received good scores from a recent accreditation report. On a scale of 1-4, with 4 being the highest, the schools received all 4s and 3s in categories.
“Everything was good to go,” Erickson said. Certified staff members hired were Willie Thibault for high school social studies, Janice Zable for ES teacher in grades K-4 and Reyna Perez-Monteau for middle school assistant principal.
Resignations received including Kevin Kennaugh, who has taught in the school district for more than 25 years. Also resigning were Jacob Kunkel, Jonathan Brooks, Holly Colgan and Mike Cooper.
Research continues of creating a new sports complex at the school. Plans include a post-tensioned track, a larger parking lot and an updated grass football field.
School officials recently met with Tarkett Sports representatives about the proposed project.
“It sounds really promising,” Erickson said of the sports complex.
The superintendent is waiting to receive information regarding the “scope of the work.” School officials will then look into environmental requirements, property questions and cost estimates. Erickson has been researching the possibility of having grants pay for part of the proposed project.
If the project is approved by trustees, work on the sports complex will begin next summer.
