Residents will see a new face on the Tabernacle Board of Education as Dr. Megan Jones was introduced at the board’s monthly meeting held July 21.
Jones will fill the vacancy left by former board vice president Tina Marie Coolidge who resigned May 30. Jones will serve the remainder of Coolidge’s term until July 1, 2015.
Board president Michael Lee said he was impressed with the quality of candidates who interviewed with the board. Seven candidates were questioned by the board at a special board of education meeting held Thursday, July 17.
“It was not an easy decision,” Lee said. “There were seven outstanding members of the community.”
Jones has been a science teacher at Shawnee High School for 16 years but her connection to Tabernacle goes back even longer than that.
“I’m close to a lifelong resident,” Jones said with a laugh. “There were a few years before I lived in Tabernacle.”
A graduate of Tabernacle Middle School before the name change to Olson Middle School, Jones was excited about the opportunity of being a member of the board presented.
“My husband told me about the vacancy and we both thought it was another way to give back to the community,” Jones said. “It’s very unique to live in a small town like Tabernacle. It feels like an extended family.”
That feeling is evident in the school district, Jones said.
“The support staff in the district is wonderful,” Jones said. “It’s a great experience for the students to have these teachers and staff that are in the Tabernacle schools. It really is a family here.”
In other news:
• Superintendent George Rafferty introduced Robert Hogan as the new facilities and transportation manager effective July 22. Hogan was hired at a salary of $73,000 pending receipt of all paperwork and clearances. The board also granted approval to an addition of $5,000 to Hogan’s annual salary upon successful completion and receipt of a supervisor of transportation certification.
• The 2013–2014 school year ended with enrollment in the district at 771 students. There were 416 students at Tabernacle Elementary School and 353 at Olson Middle School as well as two out of district placements. Enrollment for the coming school year is projected at 744 students, which Lee said, would be the lowest in the district in “20 to 25 years.”
• Agendas for board meetings will now be posted on the district’s website, www.tabschools.org, prior to the meeting. The board of education’s policies and regulations are also available on the district website. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Olson Middle School media center.
