| School
Board meets
The School Board held their regular May meeting on Tuesday, May 17. Glenn Poxleitner did a presentation on the cross country program for the board. Most enlightening to the board was how teams are scored at meets. Also Ryan Hasselstrom did a presentation on updating the track facilities. They have raised $47,000 so far of which $7200 went to surveying and engineering fees. They are looking at about $75,000 to put down gravel and an asphalt overlay. They would be looking at an additional $87,000 for an all-weather surface atop the asphalt and an additional $30,000 for equipment such as pole vault, high jump, etc. They are looking at doing things in stages with the asphalt to be done by the end of summer as stage 2. Some grant funding has been eyed. Also St. Mary’s Hospital is on board as an updated track would be a health benefit to the community. They will be working with the track program on a fundraiser this summer. Hasselstrom asked if the board would be willing to front the $35,000 difference to get the asphalt overlay done with it being paid back from donations. The board voted to proceed with stage 2 which includes calling for bids. Money would come from the maintenance fund. The board also approved Presnell & Gage as the auditor. They have proposed a 3% increase in fees. Use of the football equipment for summer camp was approved. A couple of resignations were approved for Teel Bruner as head boys basketball coach and the assistant junior high track position. They are looking at a lighting project to replace all the T-12 and T-8 fluorescent bulbs with LEDs. Cost is about $8.25 per bulb and Avista is providing $10 per bulb which helps cover installation costs. Superintendent Rene’ Forsmann said they counted nearly 2500 bulbs throughout the district that would need to be replaced. In facility updates it was reported the new cabinets are in at the high school office, which is being remodeled. They will be installed once school is out. Progress is being seen at the new bus barn/shop. They are still waiting word on the Brownsfield Grant which would clean up the asbestos and lead paint at the old Elementary School. They hope to know by the end of May. In administrative reports, Forsmann reported testing is almost done with good preliminary results. The Elementary concerts were to be held Wednesday, May 18. A summer science camp is scheduled for grades 1-8 at Prairie Elementary on June 20-24. In her superintendent report, Forsmann reported the June JFAC board meeting will be held at PHS on June 14 at 3 p.m. North Region negotiation/CERT training will be held at the high school on July 14. A retirement part for Millie Wimer, Jennifer Heitman and Becky Madden was held May 19. The board meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. The next regular meeting is set for Monday, June 20 at 7 p.m. |
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