Haxtun school board reviews FCCLA trip, approves staffing and transportation items

Haxtun school board members spent their May 19 meeting weighing the same question from two directions: how to expand student opportunities, and how to keep the district staffed and moving enough to support them. The regular meeting, held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., included an FCCLA presentation, a review of staffing and transportation needs, and approval of several personnel and financial items.

The student spotlight centered on the Haxtun Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter’s recent trip to Cook Around the World at EPCOT in Walt Disney World Resort. Seven Haxtun students took part in the competition from April 30 through May 3, working with six students from Akron as part of a combined team. The event drew 84 teams and 751 students from 32 states, putting the Haxtun students on a national stage in a field that blends culinary skill, teamwork and career preparation. Earlier coverage identified FCCLA advisor Holly Kelley and named Haxtun participants Tessa Gales, Lydia Alejandre, Olivia Stone, Yawshua Estes, Grace Stone, Haylie Carpenter and Kaylene Modrell.

The trip fit squarely within the district’s larger mission. Haxtun School District RE-2J says it aims to provide students with a safe environment, high-quality instruction, challenging curriculum and opportunities to develop academic and life skills. In a town of fewer than 1,000 residents, and with the district serving both Haxtun Elementary and Haxtun Secondary, those opportunities depend on a small number of staff members, vehicles and budget decisions carrying a lot of weight.

That is why the board’s transportation discussion mattered as much as the celebration of student success. Just six days earlier, on May 13, the board unanimously approved the purchase of two new 11-passenger vans during a special meeting in the superintendent’s office. All seven board members were present for that vote: Ross Edwards, Trever Fix, Christi Anne Gibson, Amy Kilgour, Dean Michael, Lee Salyards and Valerie Wilson. Superintendent Aron Jones and Business Manager Debbie Myers also attended.

Taken together, the FCCLA trip report, staffing review and van purchase pointed to the same practical challenge for Haxtun as the district heads deeper into planning for next year: keeping enough people, enough transportation and enough financial capacity in place to make sure students can keep learning, competing and traveling beyond the classroom.