Superintendent’s Board Report for March 2023   

James D. Fossett

General Comments:  

As we wrapped up February and started March, Esmeralda County and the Sierra Nevada range in general, was hit with a drought breaking storm that closed Dyer School for several days.  District and instructional staff did a great job of communicating and keeping everyone informed about the closures and other changes brought about by the extreme conditions.  

Important Dates:

End of 3rd Grading Quarter March 9th     - End of the 3rd Quarter

School Board Meeting March 14th   - Tuesday, Dyer

Parent/Teacher Conferences March 16th   - Minimum Day (12:30 dismissal)

Saint Patrick’s Day March 17th   - Friday

Teachers/Students:  

Teachers had their last PD day for the 2022-2023 school year and met with our RPDP Instructional Coaches in preparation for both the SBAC assessments and to collaborate about our 4th quarter shift in instruction to more project based learning and hands-on instructional practices to liven up our last quarter of the year.  We have received the resignations of Veronica Hooten, Josh Abbott, and Amy Dizmang.  We are also cutting the position held by Scott Hawkins that has included custodial work, secretary days, and classroom support, due to reduced numbers in Goldfield School.  All four of these educators have served with distinction and dedication and we thank them for their years of service.

PLC/Safety Committee:  

In coordination with the sheriff’s department a district-wide lockdown/lockout drill was held in an impromptu setting that tested our district communications skills and our county wide collaboration and communications skills.  In the debrief we felt like these experiences are making us safer and helping us learn more about how to respond in case of an actual emergency. 

District Facilities and Bus Update:  

Our new snow blower in Goldfield was purchased just in time for the storm of the decade and performed well.  Even better, our facilities staff and other staff across the district pitched in to clear schools, lots, and even roads.  We had no leaks we could identify and suffered no damage or loss.  Staff were encouraged to observe our safety first rule and where necessary, travel was canceled or delayed to make certain of the safety of students and staff.

Superintendent/Board: 

During this legislative session I’ve worked with two other superintendents to give feedback on various bills and attended senate and house education committee sessions to support legislation that will strengthen education and reduce the number of bills passed to add layers of red tape and bureaucracy to Nevada education.  I’ve also worked with a small committee on behalf of Nevada Superintendents to develop the 2023 Superintendent’s Academy to be held in June.  Favorite of all my responsibilities has been the time in classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds with students.  We have a great group of students and teachers in EsCSD!