Present at the latest meeting of the North Central Board of Education on March 10, 2014, were about 30 members of the community who came to hear about the plan for a new high school from the North Central Levy Committee. The current high school building was built in 1922 and is in need of being replaced. Ryan Burt gave a presentation, including a drawing of the new building and its location. The issue will be on the ballot on May 6, 2014, and Mayor Ed Kidston was there to put his support behind the building issue.
Burt explained to the crowd that the new 33,000 square foot high school can be built with an estimated cost of $8,760,275. The state will provide $4,303,435, with the total cost to the district of $5,120,395. The district already has a Permanent Improvement Fund in place which, half of which will provide $2,000,000 over 10 years. They have already saved $320,395 toward this endeavor. A 1.4 mill levy will be placed on the ballot and voted upon May 6 to provide the district’s share of the remaining cost. Burt informed the group that taxpayers can expect to pay an estimated annual tax of $49 in 2015 based on a $100,000 home value; $42 in 2016; and $35 in 2017.
The new high school is to be built on the current school grounds, and will connect with the junior high building. The old building will be demolished.
A levy that provided funds for the repairs and improvements on the elementary school years ago is set to expire this year. The new levy will, according to Principal Tim Rettig, be “much like a renewal,” but must be placed on the ballot as a new project.
In his report, Elementary Principal Paul Jones said that the Kindergarten Clinic is scheduled for April 3 and 4. So far, 34 students have signed up to be evaluated. As of this time last year, there were 27 students signed up. OAA testing will be held on April 29 and May 1. Students and teachers are working hard prior to the testing, but the number of missed days due to weather this school year are a concern. The 21st Century grant will end April 25, but they hope to extend the program into May due to days missed because of the weather. It has been a successful before-school/after-school program, and Jones will be applying for a three year grant in order to continue the program.
In upcoming events, March 21 will mark the end of the 3rd grading period. Spring break is scheduled for March 24-28. Grade cards will be sent home with students on April 4, providing fees have been paid. Awards assemblies will be held on April 11 in the varsity gym, with times to be decided. There will be one assembly for grades 1-3 and another for grades 4-6. The grades 3-6 Musical Program has been scheduled for April 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the varsity gym.
For the High School Principal’s report, Tim Rettig discussed the updated Student Handbook. He listed North Central athletics rankings: Varsity boys, 6- 17 overall and 4- 6 in the BBC; JV boys, 7- 14 overall and 4- 6 in the BBC; Freshman boys, 2- 8 overall, and 6-4in th BBC; 8th Grade boys, 6- 10 overall and 2- 4 in the BBC; 7th Grade boys, 3-12 overall and 2-8 in the BBC; Varsity girls, 6-16 overall and 2-8 in the BBC; JV girls, 2-18 overall and 1-9 in the BBC; 8th Grade girls, 7-8 overall and 5-5 in the BBC, and runners-up in the BBC Championship; and 7th Grade girls, 7-7 overall and 5-5 in the BBC.
Upcoming high school events include spring break, with the last day of school Friday, March 21, and a return date of Monday, March 31. The spring musical will be held on April 25, 26, and 27. Prom night is May 7.
The board approved the agenda as follows:
- Minutes from the February meeting.
- Financial statements and investments from February
- Employments – Stacy Turner – Cafeteria Substitute
- Resignations – Suzanne Geis – 6th Grade Instructor (effective July 31, 2014). She has accepted a position as middle school principal at Central Local Schools.
- NWOET contract for 2014-2015 school year for Education Technology. Total cost: $1,018.05 ($1.65 per student).
- Junior High/High School Handbook for 2014-2015.
The treasurer’s report was approved for the following appropriations: Rotary – $164.01; IDEA-B Grants – $3,485.55; Perkins Grant-Vo Ag – $617.12; for a total of $4,266.68.
In his superintendent’s report, Ken Boyer asked the board to approve the first reading of the proposed Bylaw revision. The board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding to use Good Friday, April 18, 2014, as a make-up day with dismissal at 1:30 p.m. He also read a letter of support from Linda Zenz for the junior high girls’ basketball program and Coach Charles Rummel.
The board went into executive session to discuss evaluation and discipline of personnel and with no action taken after their return to regular session, the meeting was adjourned.
The next scheduled meeting of the North Central Board of Education will be on Monday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the music room.