Possibilities discussed included moving the sixth grade to New Richland, moving the Special Education preschool (rejected because students would be moved away from services), and additional construction of a temporary building.
Wellen was given the go-ahead to get bids for a three- or four-stall garage, which could house tractor and snow removal equipment, making room in the existing shop area for an additional student space.
Also discussed was the possibility of closing open enrollment when a grade level reaches 75-78. “This is perfectly legal,” Wellen said. Residents generate about $1,300 more revenue for the district than Open Enrollment students.
The district has also received requests to provide transportation for Open Enrollment students to and from stops close to their residences. This problem was delegated to the Transportation Committee.
Reductions
Some reductions were made, however. With the seventh grade expected at 56, they are to be reduced to two sections of 28 each, for a savings of about $36,500 overload expense. (Teacher salary increases if teaching over five classes.)
NRHEG tries to keep K-2 classes to an ideal size of 20, and grades 3-6 between 25 and 27.
“Without the Federal Jobs Bill,” Wellen told the board, “we would have been considering additional reductions in Reading Recovery, Kindergarten, First, and Fourth grades.”
Coaches
Spring coaches were approved for hire, including Brad Root as Head Golf Coach, and Social Studies teacher Justin Timm as Assistant Golf Coach.
Donations
Anonymous donations were received in the amounts of $45, $70 and $100 for Junior Prom, $100 for the Snack/Milk Program, $100 for the Leukemia Drive Celebration, and $25 for FFA.
New Richland Fireman’s Relief Association donated $1,400 and Ellendale Fire Department Relief Association donated $648.73 for Smart Boards technology.
A $500 donation was received for Industrial Technology in memory of former NRHEG teacher Harry Lillesvie.
Smart Boards
High School Principal Paul Cyr reported that while Smart Board classroom usage “varies” so far, student response to the new teaching technology is highly positive.
“Anything ‘techno,’ the kids will go for,” said Cyr.
Cyr expressed disappointment with the low 25 percent turnout at the recent high school Parent-Teacher conferences.
