Reyna Gallardo, left, and Alyssa Winkle, right, are the student representatives on the USC School Board. It is Gallardo’s second year and Winkle’s first year as a student rep.

The United South Central School Board met on Tuesday, Nov. 19 and had very few business items on their agenda during the half hour meeting.

One of the first things the board did was have new student School Board member, Alyssa Winkle, take the oath of office. She joins Reyna Gallardo, who was a student member of the board last year, in representing the USC student body on the School Board.

Recognition was also given to the USC Rebel Players for their outstanding production of the ‘Wizard of Oz” during the previous weekend.

During his report to the board, superintendent Taylor Topinka mentioned that students were already into the second week of the second quarter.

“We have moved from fall to winter activities and students and staff are working hard each day,” Topinka said. “It is encouraging to see the great things which are happening at USC and we are excited for the winter ahead.”

Topinka reminded the board that Nov. 18-22 is American Education Week.

“It is a time designated toward celebrating the public school community,” Topinka shared.

Topinka also noted that work had already begun on preparing for the 2025-2026 school year.

“Even though it seems we are just getting started with this school year, it is already time to start preparing for the next year, beginning with setting our academic calendar,” Topinka explained. “We have already taken the first step in that process by convening our staff, parent and student calendar committees. Developing a calendar that fulfills everyone’s hopes is an impossible task. Still, through this process, we aim to identify a calendar that works best for the needs of our students and district.”

With the possible snow season now here, Topinka said the current academic calendar has the flexibility to enable the district to have one to two ‘regular snow days’ depending on the amount of delay/release time that is needed.

“We will aim to utilize this time for weather events that are not easily predicted and aim to call a virtual learning day when we can foresee a significant weather event coming,” Topinka commented. “Our goal will be to communicate weather decisions as soon as possible, aiming for before 6:20 a.m. Mary Smothers and I will work to check in with a variety of different areas throughout our district, and aim to make winter weather decisions with safety being our top priority.”

High school principal Jen Bye reported the National Honor Society, alongside the American Red Cross, held a blood drive on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

“The National Honor Society students worked as volunteers during the day to sign in donors and help monitor donors after they donated,” Bye reported. “We were thrilled to have several first time donors that day.  Thank you to the students who donated to provide this lifesaving gift.”

Bye reported that USC students will have a shortened day on Nov. 27.

“Students will be dismissed at 12:12 p.m. in preparation for Thanksgiving,” Bye said. “Students will enjoy Thanksgiving break on Nov. 28 and 29 as well.”

Bye shared that parent/teacher conferences for middle school and high school students will be held on Dec. 5, from 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Elementary principal Jennifer Taylor began her report by thanking everyone who helped make the Veterans Day Celebration, held at USC on Nov. 11, a success.

“The Elementary Knowledge Bowl team wrapped up an incredible season with their final meet today (Nov. 19), showcasing their hard work and teamwork,” Taylor commented. “Out of an impressive 26 teams, our students earned remarkable placements, with one team securing third place and another achieving 10th place. The third-place team proudly brought home individual medals and a group trophy, a testament to their dedication and collaboration. Plans are already underway to continue this enriching program next year, fostering a love of learning and academic excellence in our students. A special thank you to Ellen Gordon-Kamm and Karissa Jewison for coaching.”

Looking ahead, Taylor reported that students are busy preparing for the upcoming Christmas concerts.

In other business:

• Topinka reminded the board the Truth in Taxation meeting will be held on Dec. 17, as part of the regular December board meeting.

• It was announced the annual audit report will be presented during the December meeting.

• The board discussed, but did not approve, the meeting schedule for next year which would move the location of the meetings to different towns within the district.