NEW MARKET — Southmont Schools is ready for the start of a new school year.
The school board met Monday for its regular monthly meeting. Members learned from Superintendent Dr. Stefanie Hofer that employees from the central office, technology department, maintenance and grounds and many others have been working over the summer to prepare the grounds and other projects for the start of a new school year.
The first day for staff members is Aug. 3 and the first student day is Aug. 5.
When students return to school, they must adhere to the state’s new bell-to-bell cell phone ban. This legislative change was included in the new handbooks, which also were approved Monday.
In other business, and as part of a consent agenda, the board:
• Approved a consulting services agreement.
• Accepted donations of $922.39 for Southmont High School.
• Approved a trip for FFA members to attend the Indiana FFA Leadership Center in Trafalgar from Aug. 28-30.
In personnel matters, the board approved the employment of the following: Kelsey Feese, 2026 High School Summer Program instructor; Lindsey Nehring, kindergarten teacher at New Market Elementary; Shannon Rustin, special education teacher at New Market Elementary; Shelby Zimmerman, seventh grade ELA maternity leave, Morgan McCance, Southmont Jr. High from Aug. 3 to Oct. 16; Steffanie Brumett, sixth grade science teacher at Southmont Junior High School; Natalie (Manion) Hole, kindergarten teacher at Ladoga Elementary; Melynda Morehouse, fourth grade teacher at Ladoga Elementary; Stephanie Brooks, ECA treasurer/secretary at Walnut Elementary; Lauren Mayo, instructional aide at Walnut Elementary; Jameson Biddle, instructional aide at Walnut Elementary; and Halle Vincent, Communities In Schools coordinator at New Market Elementary.
The board also approved the resignations of Cheryl Crowder, special education teacher at New Market; Sarah Hough, choral director; Lindsey Nehring, CIS site coordinator at New Market.
The board also approved coaching stipends for Desson Hannum, varsity football coach, $9,600 (on contract); Jeremiah Sparks, Mitchell Dehne, Steven Masters, Hunter Thornton and Quinton Quarles, all varsity assistant football coach, $4,000 each; Bill Whalen, varsity girls golf coach, $3,600; Dave Williamson, varsity assistant girls golf coach, $2,000; Amy Reeves, varsity cross country coach, $3,600; Chris Sering, varsity assistant cross country coach, $2,000; Erin Barry, varsity volleyball coach, $6,000; Bella McIntyre and Lauren Witherspon, varsity assistant volleyball coaches, $2,500 each; Nathan Poynter, varsity boys tennis coach, $4,800; Chris Cox, varsity assistant boys tennis coach, volunteer; Brittany Madden, varsity cheerleader sponsor, $2,000 (fall) and $2,000 (winter); Angie Williams, varsity girls soccer coach, $4,800; Addison Charles, varsity boys soccer coach, $4,800; and Vincent Brooks, fall weight program, $2,000.
Also, Elliott Franklin, junior high boys tennis coach, $1,575; Jarrett Todd, eighth grade football coach, $2,625; Cody Proctor, seventh grade football coach, $2,625; Dan Chadd, sixth grade football coach, $2,100; Cole Thomas, eighth grade assistant football coach, $2,100; Judd Vancleave, sixth, seventh and eighth grade assistant football coach, volunteer; Lauren Berg, junior high cross country coach, $1,050; Shelby Zimmerman, seventh grade volleyball coach, $1,575; Natalie Hole, eighth grade volleyball coach, $1,575; Josh Gray, junior high girls golf coach, $1,050; Marcio Aguiar, junior high boys soccer coach, $1,575; Faith Gable, junior high girls soccer coach, $1,575; Annika Cummins, junior high cheerleading sponsor, $787.50 (fall) and $787.50 (winter); and Kayla Barsotti, junior high assistant cheerleading sponsor, volunteer.
Prior to the start of the meeting the board observed a moment of silence for former board member Kyle Blaydes who died July 6 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash.
Future board meetings will take place at 6 p.m. Aug. 10, Sept. 14 and Sept. 22 in the corporation board room.
