Inclement weather creates scheduling problems for school

The April School Board Meeting was short and to-the-point. The first item on the agenda was the positive comments by board members. There were positive comments regarding the PTA Carnival which was held at the end of March, congratulations to the speech team on their fine season with six students participating in the state meet, recognition of the FFA Judging teams, and a plug for the play, “Twelve Angry Jurors” which will be held on April 26, 27, and 28. Jason Myhre began the reports with the Activities Director report.

Winter sports finished strong and spring sports are going as well as can be expected with the snowy, wet spring. Mr. Deitte covered the bills and all looks good. It is time to update the tablets and other hardware so there will be a large purchase for technology.

The school enrollment has remained steady all year at 529.

The seniors are attempting to find a day that will work for their class trip. It has become a scheduling nightmare with all the athletic postponements. Mrs. Mahan-Deitte gave the elementary report.

The Reading Corps program will continue with Mrs. Mahan-Deitte coordinating the program. It has proved to be extremely helpful with our kids learning to and improving their reading.

New for next year will be a Math Corps program for the 4th – 8th grade students. There will be a cost for this program but the results in other districts have proven that it is worth the cost.

Mrs. Mahan-Deitte is working on curriculum updates and meetings that will take place throughout the summer.

Decisions have been made on furnishing the elementary entrance. Before the end of the school year the elementary kids will be “leaving their mark” on the concrete floors which will be tiled this summer.

The high school report from Mr. Frie covered the need for a counselor. There is a shortage of school counselors but it is an essential position.

On Tuesday, April 16, Mr. Frie and Mrs. Knutson visited the 6th graders in Ivanhoe. There will be 12 or 13 kids coming over. The 6th graders’ big concern was the quality of lunches!

Prom will be held on May 11 – the Grand March will be held at school and the dance will be held at the Heritage Event Center on the Fier Farm.

The juniors have approached Mr. Frie and would like to take an out-of-state class trip. They are planning to go to Denver next spring. And, finally, registration will take place at the end of April.

Not unexpectedly, Mr. Deitte mentioned the many snow days this year.

However, we will be putting in 168 days which is above the state minimum of 164. He also mentioned that the senior awards ceremony went well – over $32,000 was given to our seniors!

Thanks to the Dollars for Scholars Committee for working hard on this all year long. Mr. Deitte was fortunate to be able to testify at the State Legislature – this was for a bill which will allow school districts to receive some tax money.

The Art Integration Day was a success – thanks to Scott Hanson for coordinating this. The MCA tests have been going well. Each class gets a phone call the evening before their test.

The budget folders will be gone over before Tara Skorczewski has family leave.

As far as the construction project, everything is proceeding smoothly. The crew is considerate of keeping the noise down during the school day.

The concrete from the locker rooms is being removed by hand carts a block at a time.

Sodding will need to be completed outside the elementary and a new fence is needed by the elementary playground.

Lane changes were approved for Christy Opdahl (Language Arts) and Amanda Crowley (elementary). Teresa Myhre has requested maternity leave for the end of the school year.

Jessica Rosa will begin her Master’s program with the school funding the cost in lieu of Mrs. Rosa continuing to work here for five years.

This will allow her to teach college level courses in-house. Two technology leases were discussed. One lease is for equipment that will be returned at the end of the lease plan.

This is for the student tablets and costs $113,912.37.

The other lease is for hardware that will be kept by the District with a cost of $95,141.52.

An agreement has been signed with Borch’s to use Under Armour gear exclusively. This will be beneficial financially when purchasing uniforms, equipment, and clothing.

Bids have been received and accepted for the construction of a vehicle/storage garage across from the school. The bids for the foundation and footings and the garage itself will go to Laleman Construction and the floor heat and electrical work will go to Frank’s Electric.

The next meeting will be held on May 21, at 7 p.m.