School board agrees to help fund band trip to Outback Bowl

White County High School band director Roger Mills and the Band Booster Club recently addressed the school board about funding shortages they were experiencing for their upcoming trip to perform as part of the halftime show during the Outback Bowl on New Year’s Day.

“Mr. Mills and the Band Booster Club officers would like to thank you for the opportunity to speak to you on behalf of the WCHS band students,” Cyndi Vickers, a Band Booster Club officer told the board members. “We appreciate your time and consideration toward giving funds to help our students meet their financial obligations.

Vickers gave the board an update on the fundraising, stating the group was still in need of $11,000 to fully fund the trip for the students. Vickers did inform the board there was still a bake sale scheduled to help with the costs, but time for the final payment was getting close.

Board member Diana Haston made a motion, that if there was still a balance at the time the final payment came due, to allow the school system to give them the funds (not to exceed $11,000), with the stipulation that the band would need to repay the money to the school system by the end of the 2021-22 school year. The motion was seconded by Adam Hickey and approved unanimously.

During their November meeting, the White County School Board also approved using Upland Design for as the architect for the BonDeCroft Elementary project that includes updating much of the old school. They also approved the district’s physician list to include Dr. Ty Webb, Dr. Chad Griffin, and Katina Huff – PA.

Additionally, the board approved the following insurance carriers for their employees: Major Medical BCBS or Cigna, MetLife Dental until January when the switch to Delta Dental will be made, and Davis Visions. 

The board approved several new volunteer coaches for the district’s archery program that has been expanded to now include students in elementary, middle and high school. The new volunteer assistants are Kyle Herren, Hannah Stanton, Hallie Young, and Bo Hartman.

After brief updates from the policy committee, maintenance reports and school improvement details, Dewayne Howard made the motion to allow BonDeCroft Elementary’s PTO to host a Walk-A-Thon fundraiser. The motion was approved by all seven members of the board.

Before adjourning until the next meeting, which will be held at 6 p.m., Dec. 9, at Cassville Elementary School, the board was also presented with information on non-school sponsored trips to review for discussion in December.