GRANADA– The Granada-Huntley-East Chain School Board (GHEC) held its first meeting after the conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year on Thursday. During the meeting it discussed the school’s summer programming and began preparations for the upcoming school year.

Superintendent Doug Storbeck was not present at this month’s meeting, but it was the last for high school co-principal Taylor Topinka. Next year Topinka will be the superintendent at United South Central Schools. In his report to the board he thanked the work of the school board and GHEC staff for a successful school year. He noted that the school will soon begin summer school for elementary and high school students and said there were eight high school students who would retake classes over the next four weeks. He also noted the school will not have classes on Juneteenth due to a new state statue and next year the school intends to reduce the number of Jagtag days from five to four.

Topinka said his replacement, Fairmont High School dean of students, Andy Walden, had begun working directly with Topinka before his contract ends at the end of the month.

“I’m so appreciative for the opportunities (the school board) has given me and that GHEC has given me. It’s such an awesome school, district and community and I have sure been thankful for my time here,” said Topinka.

In her activities report, Erin Roiger noted the school’s summer camps, open gym and weight room have already begun while the spring sports semester has concluded. She said the school was looking for a new assistant track coach but all of its other coaches will remain.

At its next meeting the GHEC school board will be presented with proposed changes to the student handbook before finalizing these changes in August.

In other business, the board:

— Voted to approve contracts for Dan Anderson as a high school shop teacher and Niki Lewis as an elementary teacher for the upcoming school year.

— Voted to accept the resignation of Lacey Meixell as a paraprofessional effective May 26.

— Approved resolutions continuing its participation in the Minnesota State High School League and its funding of the Southern Plains Educational Cooperative.

— Accepted a donation of $15,232 from Profinium Bank through their nonprofit give back program.