School district recognizes Month of Military Child

Churchill County School District trustees learned more about April’s Month of the Military Child at last week’s meeting and then focused on the final weeks of school culminating with graduation June 4.

Capt. Evan Morrison, commander of Naval Air Station Fallon, and Superintendent Summer Stephens discussed the importance of military children living in Churchill County and attending school here.

Trustees received information on where military-related students have lived prior to coming to Fallon. The major states where families had previously lived included Washington state, California, Texas, Nevada and Florida. Families have also lived around the world, particularly in Germany, Kuwait, Guam, Italy and Japan.

Morrison thanked the school district for its support. He said the community is integral to the families who live in Churchill County.

A breakdown shows the number of military-connected children in the county: children ages 0-5, 384 students; ages 6-12, 26; and ages 15-18, 119. The selected reserves show ages 0-5, 48 students; 6-12, 47; and 15-18, 16. Currently and also during past years, the families have represented all branches of the military as well as the National Guard and Reserve.

The Department of Defense said about 1.6 million children face unique challenges because of their parents’ service.

“Each year, the DOD joins national, state and local government, schools, military serving organizations, companies and private citizens in celebrating military children and the sacrifices they make,” the DOD stated.

The Month of the Military Child was first recognized in 1986.

Trustees also discussed graduation and had concerns about the overflow of parking. The construction of a community center
at the south end of the current parking area will limit the number of vehicles.

Stephens said graduation on June 4 is 7 p.m., and the Adult Education graduation, which will be conducted in the high-school auditorium, is May 27 at 7 p.m.

A hiccup occurred before trustees approved the recommended personnel action. Trustee Fred Buckmaster said the most important job in the school district is that of high school principal. Buckmaster said he’s worried the process for the new principal wasn’t transparent. He wants to ensure the school board makes the right choice.

Tim Spencer, who lives in Colorado, was selected to replace Scott Winter. Trustees had an opportunity to talk to Spencer for several minutes via an internet call.

Spencer said the principal’s position is important, and he also commented on the good student achievement level in Churchill County. Trustees eventually approved the personnel action unanimously.