Plains School Board fills vacant seat, approves homeschool partnership

At a special meeting held Tuesday evening, the Plains School Board addressed several key items on its agenda, including the appointment of a new board member and the approval of a partnership with a homeschool program.

Board member Steve Spurr made a motion to appoint Robert Cutlip to fill the board seat recently vacated by Ellen Childress. The motion carried, with board member Colleen McCarthy casting the sole dissenting vote. Cutlip will serve the remainder of Childress's term, which runs through May 2026. 

The board also approved a three-year contract with Harmony Educational Services (HES), a home-based education provider that partners with school districts and families to offer flexible curriculum and materials to homeschooled students. 

Plains School Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Walsh emphasized the district’s dual focus. 

“Our priority is public education and this building, and the other is to create a partnership with our home school population and offer alternatives for a number of children,” she said. 

Following the contract approval, HES will organize a public outreach event to provide details about the program and its offerings. 

Board Chair Lana Dicken reported progress on allowing public use of the school playground. A shared-use agreement has been reviewed and submitted to the mayor, along with playground rules and hours. The matter will go before the city council for further action. 

Larry Revier, owner of Revier Transportation, presented a clarification of his pricing structure with the school district. 

The board approved a new part-time afternoon 4-year-old preschool program to run during the regular school calendar. Superintendent Walsh explained the goal is to increase early enrollment and better serve the community. No additional staff will be required. 

The board approved an agreement to allow the Plains Police Department to use the school’s weight room during non-school hours. 

The board approved the following fee increases: Student activity passes: $25 to $35. Adult couple passes: $75 to $85, Gate tickets: Students: $6 to $7, Adults: $7 to $8.

New athletic and elementary handbooks were approved with only minor changes. Superintendent Walsh emphasized that all subjects, including electives, must meet the academic standard of a 2.0 GPA or higher. 

    New Plains School Board Member Robert Cutlip talks about his goals and qualifications for the position. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)