On Tuesday, January 23rd the board of education  held it's monthly meeting. There were a variety of topics discussed, the biggest of which is the upcoming election for members of the board. There were 2 spots open for election, and coincidentally, only 2 people applied to run. Delores Howard decided to rerun for her spot and Kurt Bauche was the other person to apply. This means that Delores Howard will be returning, and longtime board member Jeff Lawson will be replaced by Kurt Bauche. Bauche was the Director of the Black Knight Marching Band for over 30 years, and is still a very active member in the community. I asked Superintendent Matt Ruble about his view on the change. In reference to Lawson he said that he “has been a valued member of the board for many years” and that “they will have to work to replace that experience”. In reference to Bauche, “He served as the band director of Black Knight Marching Band and retired from the district after over 30 years of service so he has a strong working knowledge of our district, our history and our high expectations”.

The board also featured this months Heartland Hero. This month Lincoln Intermediate School featured the Solid Rock Family Church. The church adopted Lincoln, taking on it's staff and students with open arms. They helped the staff in various ways, from providing St. Louis Bread Company to staff members, and other dinners and meals during days that teachers were in need of one. They also set up a store for the staff. They were all invited, and were allowed to fill a shopping cart of school and home supplies, free of charge.

The board also heard from Mindy Southern and Allison Hensley, who gave the biannual LMC report. They talked about how Farmington School Districts Librarians do much more than check out books. They acknowledge and help grow digital media in students lives in a safe and constructive way. They teach students about the difference and importance of digital literacy and digital citizenship. They teach kindergartners the basics of using a computer, from how to use a mouse, to what a cursor is. Librarians also teach our districts children how to hand cyberbullying, and how to responsibly use technology.