Patacini Appointed to Whitehall School Board

At the September meeting of the Whitehall School Board, held Tuesday, September 19 in the Whitehall Elementary Library, it was announced that there were five well-qualified candidates for the open position. Board member James Reiff said that this was incredible and very inspiring, considering many of the current board members received their seats unopposed. Candidates included Rico Patacini, Kerry Buterbaugh, Alex Duvelius, Aaron Hildreth, and Melissa Stratton. After hearing from those candidates who wished to speak, the Board appointed Rico Patacini to the open seat.

OTHER NEWS:

• Elementary Principal Kurtis Koenig announced enrollment in the elementary was down slightly to 199 students. High School Principal Jason Slater also supplied enrollment of the middle school and high school in comparison from the 2022-2023 school year: 32 seniors (down 2), 37 juniors (up 4), 44 sophomores (up 5), 42 freshmen (up 5), 41 8th graders (same), 41 7th graders (down 5), and 29 6th graders (down 16).

• Superintendent Hannah Nieskens said that the learning center being placed on the property next to the "old gym" on Main Street should be delivered within the next week or two. Delays were caused by the concrete pouring schedule and shifts in transportation from the building company.

• Whitehall senior Wesley Biggers applied for and received approval for, early graduation at the semester. Biggers has military aspirations. High School principal Jason Slater said that everyone will miss watching Biggers wrestle this season, but wishes him nothing but the best.

HIRES:

• Justin Clements and Kylie Hansen were hired as substitute staff.

• Carrie Thunell and Christina Lucas were hired as paraprofessionals.

• Kailee Oliverson was hired as the middle school assistant volleyball coach.

• Ryan Hansen was hired as the high school assistant wrestling coach.