By Gayle VanVooren
Mascot Editor

“We have to come up with some kind of plan to keep our school solvent,” commented Supt. Dan Deitte at last Tuesday’s School Board meeting.
In an information piece, the possibility of presenting an Operating Referendum in November was felt as “a necessity”.
The Board is currently looking at three different providers to assist in the implementation of a presentation to District voters.

In other business for the night,
• four open enrollments were approved,
• Rick Hennen and Brandon Hennen were approved to the junior high boys’ basketball, and junior high girls’ basketball programs, respectively,
• the administration was approved to make recommendations for reductions in programs and staff for the upcoming year, and
• the board looked at proposals for the football and baseball bleachers. Another set of quotes was being sought before a final decision was made.
The Q Comp update showed that the committees have been meeting regularly. “We continue to develop the proposal which has a lot of different pieces to it,” said Deitte.
Teaching techniques, collaborative thinking, and working for the benefit of the students are positive components of Q Comp. Deitte added, “I hope this will form some trust between people.”
Board member Dodie Derynck questioned if this was an “all or none” proposal so that everyone feels part of the program and is working toward a better education for the students.
Dan remarked, “Right now, it is just being put together, but I would prefer that all our teachers are involved. I would like to see 100 percent participation.”
Board member Dawn VanKeulen added, “I would hope that if the legislation funds this, it will  be such a good thing for our teachers that they are glad that it was started.”
Supt. Deitte also gave updates from Principal Griepentrog and Principal Ulrich, who were not present.
In his own report, Deitte talked about the School Board convention many had attended, the redistricting of the service cooperative for special education, and that makeup days for bad weather will be on February 15, another around Easter and then on June 7.
He also noted the positive work the paraprofessionals do in the school and said the arrangement with Jorun Ahmann working full time and Jeanette Sharp working part time is working very well.   
The next regular meeting was set for 7 p.m. on February 16 in the high school media center.