By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

On Monday, USD 397 Board of Education approved a trip for Centre High School FFA officers and advisers to Buena Vista, Colo. to attend an Aug. 6 retreat. FFA adviser Mark Hager and officers Carrie Carlson, Ty Simons, and Tom Oborny presented an itinerary to the board along with information that the FFA chapter will pay all expenses. The district will provide two suburbans for the 1,200 mile round trip.

“As a team, it is important that we build bonds and are able to work effectively together,” FFA president Carlson said. “This trip will allow us to become a stronger team by the team effort white-water rafting and rock climbing involves. Our team will also be able to plan our program of activities for the upcoming year.”

Hager said the $13,000 raised at the FFA work auction this spring helped to make the trip possible.

Hager reported on results from the state FFA convention. Nellie Kassebaum placed fourth in the creed contest. Jared Barney also competed in creed. Theo Kassebaum and Carrie Carlson received State FFA degrees, along with 2011 graduate Brian Burhoop. Theo Kassebaum received a Ford scholarship for college, and Carlson received a Ford scholarship to assist her in attending the World Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., this summer.

Kevin Lewis and Theo Kassebaum competed in job interview and public speaking, respectively. Burhoop was a candidate for State Star Farmer.

The chapter scrapbook took second place. Reporter Makenzie Deines was the main scrap booker. The chapter received silver status in chapter, student, and community development activities.

In other business:

• Board president Brent Methvin presented Lacy Wallace with a retirement plaque, thanking him for 19 years of service as a counselor at Centre High School.
• The board advised Activities Director Greg Wyatt to obtain quotes on a new scoreboard for the football field to honor the late “Coach” Bud Peterson.
• The board approved a bid of $3,289 from Herington Heating and Air for new sinks in high school restrooms. Bids from Doug Hett and Mark Pagenkopf were accepted on three used mowers.
• The board approved the attendance of Jorga Marcos of Spain at Centre for the 2012-13 school year. Phil and Jamie Peterson will be his hosts. He will enroll as a junior.
• The board adopted a revised policy on internet protection for children. The revision requires the district to document evidence that students are taught annually about online behavior and cyber bullying.
• Terry Deines was appointed as the board representative to the Marion County Special Education Cooperative.
• The board spent a total of 30 minutes in executive session with clerks Peggy Falen and Sharon Simons to discuss staff negotiations and personnel.