School District Tackles Mold Crisis and Celebrates Heroes

The Humboldt County School District Board Meeting held on December 10, 2024, highlighted significant developments in school safety, infrastructure, and community engagement. The meeting began with the recognition of Tony Urquiaga as the "Media Friend of Public Education," acknowledging his long-standing contributions to local athletics and education coverage across multiple counties.

A pressing issue discussed was the ongoing concerns regarding flooring and mold at Winnemucca Grammar School. District officials reported a clear plan to address these problems, which involve the mitigation of five impacted classrooms. The classrooms will be emptied and prepared for remediation over the Christmas break, with the goal of having students return to their newly renovated spaces by late January.

In addition to infrastructure updates, the meeting featured a training session for administrators on the use of open gate metal detectors, funded through the Coolpack initiative. This training aims to enhance school safety protocols, reflecting the district's commitment to creating secure learning environments.

Celebrations of staff achievements were also a focal point of the meeting. Anne Lampshire, the CIS site coordinator, was recognized for her leadership in addressing chronic absenteeism and implementing new academic support programs. The board also honored Tiola Tom for her quick action in a life-threatening situation involving a student, showcasing the dedication of school staff to student safety and well-being.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the importance of continuous improvement in academic programming and student support initiatives. The board expressed optimism about the upcoming year, emphasizing the need for ongoing collaboration and community involvement to address challenges such as chronic absenteeism and to enhance educational outcomes.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's proactive approach to addressing infrastructure issues, enhancing safety measures, and recognizing the vital contributions of staff members, all while fostering a supportive educational environment for students. The board looks forward to implementing these initiatives in 2025, aiming for a positive impact on the community and its schools.