The regular meeting of the Board of Education of Altus Public Schools, was held Monday, March 8, in the Board conference room of the administrative center.

It was noted that students attending the Junior/Senior Banquet at Quartz Mountain Resort will not receive transportation by regular or charter buses owned by the school district. This decision was made about a year and a half ago that school buses will not be rented out for any reason. The board understood, from a December meeting, that parents would be renting commercial charter buses to transport the students. There was a communication error between the parents and the district. Due to lack of funds, apparently there will be no charter buses rented. There are only 127 parking spaces at the Lodge. Mark Haught, Principal of AHS, said it is estimated that 400 students will attend the banquet. The non-refundable deposit has been made to the lodge. Now it appears there will need to be parent transportation, possibly a drawing for parking spaces or other creative solutions for this challenge. The board voted to affirm its policy on not busing the students to or from the resort.

In other matterson, the yearly reorganization of the Board stipulates a person that has 4 years service on the board serves as President. That office will now be filled by Debora Phillips. A person with 3 years serves as Vice-President, now Rosalyn Hall. Phillips congratulated Dr. John Thomas for being sworn in for his next 5 year term on the board.

First National Bank donated $10,000 to That Altus Band. Phil McMahan made the presentation. The AHS Wrestling team were congratulated for making State Runner Up, with a 24 and 3 season. The AHS Boys and Girls Swim Teams were lauded for their awards, which included distinguished honors academically. The Girls' team placed second in the state and the Boys placed third in the state. This award requires all the students on the team be in the top 5% academically.

Washington Elementary has been named a Great Expectations Model School. This is a very competitive process, which takes many years to achieve. Washington will be having a luncheon for teachers and dignitaries on Friday. Donations to the cause were made by area businesses. Classroom observations, and assembly and a special flag ceremony will be conducted Friday afternoon.

District Board member training will be held at the Southwest Technology Center April 1.

Packets for choice of school and kindergarten enrollment will be available Mar. 24.

Reassignment of personnel included Stephanie Huckabee who is moving from Altus Intermediate to Washington Elementary.

The board approved the consent agenda items which included: rental of school facilities, and CLEP Plan - update of school/site/program improvement plans and the Technology Plan.

There were three policy revisions considered by the board: the Safety Program/Healthy and Fit SchoolCommittee, Reduction-in-Force - Certified Personnel and Support Personnel. All three were approved.

The board accepted resignations from Brandon Wyatt and Raoul Ornelas. New proposed substitutes were accepted as: Michael Bell, Mary Beth Ellis, Rebecca McClain, Heather McMains, Billie Quam, and Celia Vargas. Time sheet employee Richard McMahon was approved.

There was no executive session.

The termination of the custodian contract of Jeffrey Gambill was approved by the board.

The board approved the acknowledgement of receipt of the District Audit Report for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2009. Linda Ahlschwede, auditor, announced she had found no exceptions in this year's audit. Mr. Drury said that business department had worked hard on the requirements for this audit.

He also said it was a pleasure working with Ms. Ahlschwede each year.

In new business, the board approved the use of the AHS cafeteria for the South Side Alumni on Apr. 3.

The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.