Bessemer's ADJ High School looks to updating sign on U.S. 2

By MEGAN HUGHES

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer — The Bessemer School Board met for its January meeting on Jan. 22, where the members held their annual reorganization and heard updates regarding the main school sign.

During the reorganizational meeting, the board elected officers, including James Partanen as president, Brady Halvorson as vice president, Beth Steiger as secretary, and Tara Graham as treasurer.

January is board appreciation month, said superintendent Richard Matrella. The members were presented a certificate thanking them and treated to a dinner following the meeting.

A.D. Johnston High School’s sign in front of the school on U.S. 2 is set to be updated to a new LED sign, said Matrella, which will be similar to those owned by other area districts.

“It is being covered by insurance because our old one, along with part of our building, had power shorted out by lightning issues,” he said.

The board accepted the resignation of confidential and elementary assistant Susan Raykovich, effective Jan. 17. Matrella said the resignation was due to Raykovich moving to a new position elsewhere.

The board subsequently hired Jenny Schouppe to fill the position, pending a favorable background check.

Another topic of discussion at the meeting was the creation of a golf team. The board officially declared the team’s formation for the 2024 spring season for both boys and girls, allowing for it to begin gauging interest from students and potential coaches among the staff.

“This will allow us to look into interest of the students at the school, the cost, and the availability of somebody to coach the team,” said Matrella.

He explained that the team was inspired by several students who have come forward over the years expressing interest, especially girls, and the school would like to give students the opportunity to pursue the sport if possible.

In other news, the board:

—Approved the NEOLA policy special update.

—Approved the hiring of Jennifer Terrell for the position of CTE/Maker Space Advisor for the remainder of the 2023-2024 year. The position involves a school club for students wanting to learn more about the school’s CTE/Maker Space.

—Approved hiring of Stephanie Lewis as a part-time after-school interventionist (para-professional) for the 2023-2024 school year.

—Approved adding a spelling bee coordinator to the Appendix B, which will be posted after a letter of agreement is brought to and approved by the union. The coordinator will be for grades 5-8. The post will be an additional role for a staff member to take on and be compensated for, rather than a full time position, said Matrella.