By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Panorama Board of Education met in regular session Oct. 12 with all members present. The board heard an update on the renovations to the weight room, which is nearly completed. The board approved the sale of surplus weight equipment once it has been grouped into packages.
It was noted that the district originally planned a multi-phase roll-out of the weight room, but overwhelming community support allowed the project to be completed ahead of schedule. Thanks to donations and discounts, the district paid just 18% of the total equipment costs.
The board also approved the sale of old staff devices (2020 13-inch MacBook Pro laptops), which will be sold “as is” without warranty at $250 each. Staff members will have first opportunity to purchase these devices.
The board approved contracts for the 2026-2027 school year for Brandon Godwin (JH girls wrestling coach) and Derek Anderson (JH girls basketball coach). The board also voted to accept the resignations of Dan Wagner (HS girls wrestling coach and HS track coach) and Lee White (HS assistant girls wrestling).
An overnight trip to Pella was approved for the Dance Team to attend State Solo Contests on Oct. 22. The trip will involve four students and one chaperone.
The board also approved band/choir to hold a fundraiser by selling Casey’s cards. The fundraiser will kick off Nov. 23.
In the Good News portion of the meeting, the board heard teacher Ginger Lindstrom’s report from art class regarding a student who grew to appreciate art.
“At the beginning of the school year, he told me he didn’t like art. I jokingly made a bet with him. I said, ‘I bet you a candy bar I can make you love art.’ He came in a few weeks later with a candy bar and said, ‘Guess what? I love art class.’ I truly didn’t expect a candy bar, but it is one of my favorites,” Lindstrom said.
Teacher Katie Sedars reported she coordinated an agreement between the school and Lake Panorama Pizzeria to have students fold pizza boxes and menus. She reported that the students are doing well on the task and will be rewarded with a pizza party from Lake Panorama Pizzeria.
The sale of a 2009 Bluebird school bus was approved. A notice to bidders will be published.
The board approved Pay App No. 2 for Rigid Edge Exteriors, $224,158.68 for work on the elementary school roof.\
The board’s next regular meeting is set for Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome.