Several new hires, the approval of a new speaker system at the football field, updates to the classified salary schedule and a brief update on the pending BEST grant application process all topped agenda items in an hour and a half meeting of the Frenchman Board of Education meeting in Fleming on Jan. 16.

The January meeting opened with staff reports, including one from Superintendent Steve McCracken who gave updates on the BEST grant application and projects around the district building.

McCracken said lights in the old gym and the ag shop have been replaced with high efficiency LED lights. He also noted that the baseball team will play a junior varsity schedule this year.

The Superintendent also told board members that four student will be participating in eSports. The local BOE approved a Fleming eSports team in a late-November meeting at the request of Laurianna May, who will serve as the team’s coach. May also teaches band and music in Fleming.

According to the Colorado High School Activities Association, eSports, or competitive video gaming, is the fastest growing high school activity.

As for the current status of the BEST grant application, McCracken said the District and Treanor, the company hired to complete a Master Plan and to aide in the BEST grant application, are working to compete all required information. He said the application is due on Feb. 5. The Colorado Department of Education will notify successful grant applications in mid-June.

The grant request includes funds for a major renovation to the building that would close the courtyard and build two new classrooms on the north side of the building.

In other business the Board:

• Ratified the decision to start school at 10 a.m. on Jan. 16 due to weather;

• Approved scheduling school board meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 or 7 p.m .;

• Approved the 2023-24 revised budget with adjusted numbers for revenue and expenses to accurately reflect student count and the District’s assessed valuation;

• Approved Brylee Moore as a special education paraprofessional;

• Approved Harry Harms as a maintenance/transportation full-time equivalent employee;

• Approved the revised 2023-24 classified salary schedule to reflect the increase in minimum wage;

• Approved a quote from Yandas Music and Pro Audio for a speaker system for the football field with a hand held wireless remote for $7,410.

The next school board meeting in Fleming is scheduled for Feb. 27 at 6 p.m.