By Jolene Farley
The Hills-Beaver Creek School Board meeting was filled with poignant moments Tuesday. After serving 27 years as a board member, 26 as board chair, Roland Crawford conducted his last meeting that night.
Fellow board members thanked Crawford wholeheartedly for his service and presented him with a plaque at the end of the meeting.
Board member Alan Harnack termed Crawford as "a tremendous leader." He went on to say, "You always knew where Rollie was coming from (on issues)."
Board members were so confident of Crawford's abilities they nominated him for the Minnesota State School Board next year. Even though Crawford wasn't chosen for the honorary board, Harnack went on to say "I can't think of anyone who deserved it more than you."
Interim Superintendent Darold Williams seconded the board's opinion, calling Crawford one of the strongest, if not the strongest, board chair he has worked with in his career.
"I served a lot of people, and a lot of times we (board members) didn't agree," said Crawford. "But we could always walk out of here and still be friends. I appreciate the years I've worked with you people."
Effective immediately, Crawford resigned as board chair and made the motion that Harnack be acting chair until elections are held at the next meeting. The motion carried.
The board also thanked Darold Williams for his time with the district and presented him with a small gift of appreciation.
Williams was a "godsend," Harnack said. "It was just great we were able to get you. I haven't heard one negative thing about you," he said.
"That's the thing about being short-term; it's easier to be popular," said Williams.
In other business:
The board accepted a low bid of $51,957 from Grand American for a new school bus. The new bus will arrive between Christmas and New Year's. The district will receive a $2,500 trade allowance for an older bus damaged in an accident plus will be allowed to keep insurance money that will be collected on the damaged bus.
A 1999 Chevrolet Suburban will be purchased for $22,775 with previously set-aside fund balance money.