Board hears Holiday Tournament report

Thursday the Eldorado School Board members took a break from the regularly scheduled business of the Community Unit No. 4 meeting and viewed performances of the high school and middle school Beta Clubs. The clubs did very well at the state finals and some will be competing in the Beta Club National Finals in Nashville June 24 through July 2, 2015.

In other school board business, members heard a summary of the Eldorado Holiday Basketball Tournament, Dec. 26 to Dec. 28, 2014, given by Gregg Goodley, athletic director and dean of students at the high school.

The winner this year was Owensboro High School, the fourth out-of-state winner in tournament history. This was the 50th anniversary tournament.

Sixteen schools participated and standing room only event. The turnout for the last two evening sessions was 4,700 fans.

"We are known around the state. A lot of schools are on our waiting list to participate. Every school in the state knows about our tournament," said Goodley.

A discussion of whether or not to expand the number of reserved parking spaces for basketball season followed. The board approved the addition of 15 new reserved parking spaces which are sold for a flat fee of $50 for the season. Proceeds go to the basketball program.

"The cleanup at the tournament is a big expense," said Goodley. "We have 15 minutes between three daily sessions to clean the gym."

Lots of manpower, mostly students at minimum wage, is the solution.

The board approved May 15 for high school graduation services and May 14 for middle school graduation.

Approval of medical leave for Anne Respondek, a Unit No. 4 teacher's aide was passed.

After executive session the board:

n Hired Tammy Zacovic as a school bus driver

n Hired T.J. Zurliene as 2015-16 basketball coach