Continental approves new staff at board meeting

Continental School held its first board meeting of the school year this week, approving several new staff members and extending a warm welcome to Superintendent Jim Nelson, who began in July.

“My transition to Continental has been very pleasant,” said Nelson, who came from the Nadaburg School District in Wittmann, Ariz., near Surprise, where he had been superintendent since 2005.

He thanked teachers and staff for their part in making the first week of school run smoothly.

“I’ve walked the halls, the classrooms, the playground and the lunchroom, and I see that our staff is bringing the best out in our students.”

Nelson described the first week of school as fun and a bit chaotic.

“The No. 1 activity on the kindergarten playground is called ‘catch the caterpillar,’” he said, laughing. “Parents, you better check those pants pockets before throwing them in the washing machine.”

Continental began the school year with 517 students but is now down to 500. Nelson, in his report to the board, said he had anticipated the fluctuation.

Four new teachers, one accounting clerk and one preschool instructional aide were approved for 2008-09 school year. The board also voted on the adoption of new music textbooks, made possible by a $2,000 donation from Green Valley Community Chorus.

Board members present were Bonnie Klahr, president; Richard Roberts, clerk; and members Chet Davis, Donna Rheingold and Peter Schmerl.

At the start of the meeting, Green Valley Elks Exalted Ruler Phyllis Curran presented a $400 check to second grade teacher Sharon Flowers to go toward the purchase of school supplies. Flowers taught 8-year-old DeShun Glover, who was tragically killed when he was electrocuted during a thunderstorm at a Tucson park in July. On hand to accept the donation in Deshun’s name was his mother, Mary Glover.

Parents and the public are welcome to attend the next school board meeting on Monday, Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m. Continental’s back-to-school open house is set for Aug. 21, time to be announced.

jrichardson@gvnews.com | 547-9726