Newly-elected school board members Cheryl Hines and Chad Campbell took the oath of office at the Nov. 19 school board meeting. Attorney Aaron Clay, the school district’s designated election official, said he would obtain the needed signature from Tammy Smith, who could not attend the monthly meeting because of medical reasons.

Outgoing school board members Betsy Marston and Bob Stechert received plaques in recognition of their service.

Stechert has served as chairman of the Policy Review Committee. L.J. Davis will take on that role.

Following the seating of the new board members, officers were elected. Bob Tweedell will continue his role as board president. Bill Kehmeier was elected vice president and Chad Campbell is secretary. School district employees Terry Kimber and Arlene Hutchins were elected treasurer and assistant secretary, respectively.

Board members reviewed a proposal for paperless board meetings. Barry Rockford, one of the district’s information technology experts, said that meeting’s board packet totaled 112 pages. District staff prepared 37 board packets for administrators, school board members, the media and other interested parties, which required 4,144 pieces of paper. Over a year’s time, about 50,000 sheets of paper and many staff hours are required to produce the monthly packets.

One solution, Rockford said, would cost the district just $758.64. Those who are interested in reviewing the board packet electronically would need a computer, e-mail access and Adobe Reader software, which is available for free. The pages within the informational packet could be printed as desired.

Rockford welcomed feedback from the school board. He hopes to take the proposal “live” in January.

School board members also heard a plea from Amy Peebles, who is concerned about rumors that the Crawford School could be closed to save money. Many schoolchildren already ride the bus 45 minutes to get to Crawford; she said it’s “ludicrous” to consider busing those kids another 30 minutes to Paonia. The Crawford School has been recognized for its academic success by both the district and the state, and its credibility should not be in question, she said.

“We’re proud of our school and will do what is necessary to protect it,” she concluded. The community of Crawford should not be made a “scapegoat.”

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