Other members agreed the property was desirable because of its expansion and access advantages. It is adjacent to the playground and to athletic facilities.
“We have no plans for immediate expansion,” Goodwin pointed out, “but the district has been talking for some time about additions such as a new gym. This would fit into those plans.”
“We still haven’t gotten to the point of having an architect evaluate our facilities and make suggestions,” board chair Rick Schultz observed. “Maybe we should start thinking about doing that.”
Superintendent Dr. Dennis Goodwin quoted an asking price in the area of $55,000.
“We got the feeling this was what the seller needed.”
Board member Mike Moen called the offer “real reasonable,” and others agreed.
“Imagining the area without the house, with all the trees and the location,” Moxon said, “it would be a beautiful playground area.”
What should the district do with the property in the interim?
“We could rent it out, as a revenue stream,” suggested Goodwin. “It’s a beautiful home and location, and we have no reason to tear it down right away.”
Cost of demolishing the house was discussed, and a figure of $20,000 - $25,000 was estimated. Alternatively the house could be sold for a dollar and moved at buyer’s expense.
A vote was taken and the purchase agreement was approved 6-1.
2013 pay 2014 levy
The Minnesota Department of Education released the Levy Limitation report and calculated a levy limit of $1,476,154.91, which represents an increase of $129,704.30 over this year.
As customary, the board approved the levy limitation for “the maximum” with the provision that it can be set lower at a later date if so desired.
The district did just that in 2010 when it found itself with an abundance of funds due to the newly passed referendum.
Contracts
Contracts were approved for Kelly Arndt, junior high volleyball coach, Nicole Loken for the new third grade section at BA step 1, and also for Nathan Jensen as substitute teacher and to fill a new position as Substitute Coordinator.
Letters of assignment were approved for Cindy Reiter, dishwasher at Ellendale, Payroll Manager Carol Schultz, Business Manager Karla Christopherson and Data Management Specialist Pat Theuer.
Other items
Current enrollment is at 964, 28 over last year.
The Monsanto Grant presentation will be before the homecoming football game Friday, Oct. 11. It will be used to purchase FOSS Science Kits for the elementary school.
NRHEG is adding 25 additional access points at New Richland and Ellendale, using funds from the building project.
“We had access for 200 users,” said Goodwin, “and the first morning of school there were 170 kids online.”
A number of old television sets have been removed from the buildings, and are being replaced with plasma TVs on an as-needed basis.
The district’s annual Truth In Taxation hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, December 16, immediately preceding the regular board meeting.
