On Thursday, January 17, the St. James Board of Education heard an update on rising fleet maintenance costs and discussed ways to alleviate the problem. The district currently owns three vehicles, two of which have broken down in the last few years, leading to the discussion. The board also approved a mileage reimbursement rate.
The St. James Board of Education approved the calendar for the 2019-2020 school year without any public input offered during a public hearing on January 17. The calendar was based on a recommendation by the calendar committee, made up of school district staff, community members, and parents. A policy change was also accepted to show the new state guidelines that tracks the number of hours students are in school rather than days, as was the previous guideline.
Community members who were interested in supporting the St. James FFA met on January 15, 2019, in the St. James Agriculture Building. A constitution and bylaws were presented and officers were elected. This is an association formed for the purpose of being passionate in and assisting in sustaining youth in agriculture, primarily, but not limited to, the youth of the St. James Agriculture Department.
Work to construct a new early childhood center and to renovate the high school has been delayed after high estimates were received by the district. The St. James Board of Education held discussion on what the next steps will be during a meeting on Thursday, January 17.
Candidate filing for the April 2, 2019 general election for city and school boards closed on Tuesday, January 15. There will be races for mayor, the city council, and school board during the election