School Board meeting held
The Clearbrook-Gonvick School board met in regular session on Monday, July 20. Superintendent Wayne Olson informed the board about the new levy legislation that had been passed during the 2015 Legislature Session. In order to receive the funding that will cover facility maintenance, health and safety, and accessibility issues will require a lot of planning. Olson has talked to Custodian Lowel Bjerke about what the money can be spent on. Three items that were mentioned were a roof on the school as it is now 13 years old, resealing and filling cracks in the parking lot and the heating and cooling system. Money can’t be used on new facilities or new construction. The plan has to be submitted by August 14 of this year for money to be received in 2017. With the current enrollment for 2017 it would amount to $193 per student or about $80,000 for that year. He went on to add that in 2018 would be $120,000 and in 2019 $158,000.
John Cucci and Troy Churness thanked the board for the use of the school facilities during the TeenServe Mission group that was in the area this summer. They did many projects for area residents including painting and fixing up homes. They presented a check for $2,500 to the board. The board will have to decide where the funds will be used.
Principal Jeff Burgess
Principal Burgess gave his handbook updates for the coming school year on cellphones, attendance and tardies. He has had students and staff come up with something that would work. He also informed them on the new guidelines for homework and study hall. He gave the board three options for the fall open house at the school. Board members were partial to the scheduled 15 minute conference with all students. Teachers were in favor of the open house from 4 to 7 for all.
Superintendent
Wayne Olson
Olson informed the board that there will be changes in testing. MCA test will have a writing component and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) will also be taken for career interest inventory test. He reported that there is not a volleyball coach on board for the season and would need a consensus of the board to hire before the next board meeting. One applicant is set to be interviewed this week. Board gave their consent.
Olson informed the board that there is no individual student insurance available through the school anymore. The district would have to pay $2,400 and that was declined by the board.
Consent Calendar
Bills, electronic transfers and treasurer’s report were approved. Checks written and wires sent amounted to $489,896.67 and payroll at $177,583.46 for a total of $667,480.13. Bills in the amount of $489,896.67 with Clearwater-Polk Electric $17,651.69; Marco $9,071.23; Bemidji State $3,600.00; Ehlers & Associates, Inc. $2,750.00; Prairie Fire $1,962.32; Garden Valley $1,802.84; Stein’s Bus Service LLC $1,697.78. B&M Supply $1,150.86; and Hillyard $1,022.10.
Old business
The addition of a cross-country program for this coming school year was discussed with a motion being made and no second to the motion. Board members had heard at the listening session that was held on July 13 that more arts, plays and foreign language should be the top priority for the district and not another sports program. Motion was withdrawn.
Revisions to the 2015-2016 school calendar were discussed.
New business
The board approved four contracts for the coming school year. Mark Carter High School Language Arts at BA7$40,581.00 plus benefits; James Bettin High School Business Education BA1 for $35,560 plus benefits; Marianne Treka Special Education BA1 for $35,560.00 plus benefits and Bob Westrum Assistant Varsity Football Coach. This will be in effect until the new contract is signed.
The board approved the lunch fees for the coming year. Student Breakfast $1.35, elementary student lunch $2.45 and high school lunch $2.75. Reduced student lunch for $.40 and reduced student breakfast free. Adult breakfast was set at $2.14 and adult lunch $3.90.
Sports fees for the coming year were set at 7th and 8th grades $45.00 per sport and 9th to 12th grades $55.00 per sport with a family max per year of $210.00. Year-long home game gate passes good for current school year set at $80.00. Only students 12th grade and under eligible with parent’s family pass. Adult single pass set at $45.00 and student single pass at $30.00.
Bimbo Bakery from St. Paul was approved for the bread bid.
The board approved the annual Aid Anticipation borrowing with a resolution for $1,465.000. That is $370,000 less than was borrowed last year. Just to make sure there is money in the bank when needed. The bills come in sooner than the state revenue and will help the cash flow situation. The financial condition is better than last year.
The next meeting will be August 17 at 7:00 p.m.