Board approves personnel, insurance timeline and policy changes; consent agenda passes

The Washington County School District board handled several routine but consequential items Dec. 9, approving personnel appointments, a timeline for employee insurance renewals, and a professional-development policy.

Personnel: The board approved the appointment of Brett Gifford as principal of Pine View High School for the 2025–26 school year. The superintendent recommended Gifford; Mr. Meece will complete the current year and then transition to retirement. Member Hutchinson moved to appoint Brett Gifford and Member Staley seconded; the motion carried on voice vote.

Consent agenda: Member Sterling moved, and Member Cox seconded, to approve consent agenda items 1, 2, 4 and 5 while holding item 3 (personnel) for separate consideration. The motion passed by voice vote.

Insurance timeline: Tamara presented the district’s schedule for the 2025–26 insurance renewals. The plan calls for the insurance committee to meet in January, a board review in February and district approval by March 3 so open enrollment materials are ready for April and the plan year starting Aug. 1. Member Cox moved to approve that timeline, Member Sterling seconded, and the board approved the timeline.

Policy adoption: The board adopted Policy 19.05 formalizing an existing practice that provides up to 32 paid professional hours for qualified employees. Employees notify their principal at the start of the year of the planned hours and document completion at year-end. Member Staley moved to adopt the policy and Member Simmons seconded; the motion carried.

These actions were taken during a regular meeting that also included school reports and recognitions.