News
»School Board taking steps to adjust for funding cuts
Posted Local at Mar 16, 2011
By Tim Huether
At Monday nights school board meeting, it was the same old discussion, different day, different dollar amount, but all in all, the financial picture of the Bennett County School District is a little more clear. And it’s not a pretty picture.
The old cliche’, “it could be worse,” most definitely applies here though because the steps taken by the Bennett County School District administration and board over the past few years has kept the district in sound financial shape, even though cuts are needed to keep the school on track.
The good: The district is back in heavy financial aid after several years of falling out. This has allowed the district to make needed capital improvements to the buildings and grounds.
The bad: The district still must maintain a proper attendance rate and keep the cost per pupil under an average that is set by what other schools spend. If the school spends too much per pupil, it will cost them more than $1 million per year. With attendance numbers dropping, the school must cut those costs that are relative to the cost per pupil and that includes personnel such as teachers.
The board approved a reduction in force for next year for the following positions: 9-12 Science/Math; 7-12 Physical Education; 1/3 Family and Consumer Science Position; Reading Coach; Cross Country Coach. They also approved a letter of intent to not renew the following positions: 2 Special Education para-professionals; 1 Elementary Library Aide.
Superintendent Wayne Semmler informed those in attendance that there has been a lot of anguish on all sides of the issue of eliminating the positions.
Board member Rocky Risse made a motion to reduce Superintendent Semmler’s pay by 5 percent and added that it was at the recommendation of Semmler that they do so. It was approved by the board and after approval, board chairman Diane Weber said she wants it on the record that Mr. Semmler’s salary started at $93,636 and he will now make $88,956, nearly five thousand dollars less per year.
Semmler provided the board with financial information reflecting the cuts the state is proposed to make and said even after cutting the positions they are, they will still have a net shortage of $197,831 for next year and $248,077 shortage for the following year in state funding.
Semmler said with the need to make the necessary cuts, people have a hard time understanding when the school spends money on other things such as sidewalks and buildings, but pointed out they are different funds and need to be treated differently.
The board approved several construction projects also and board members pointed out many projects were put aside in past years and now need to be completed.
The board approved a bid from Kratovil Electric of $47,839.75 for an electrical project at the Martin Grade School. They approved a cement project bid for the high school and junior high from Rosane Cement for $25,800. They approved a bid of $94,694 from Doug O’Bryan Contracting for remodeling the 1st wing of the Elementary at Martin Grade School. Accepted a bid of $2,266.66 from Drobny Construction to replace windows at the high school science rooms. They tabled a bid for grass seeding.
Semmler informed the board he visited with representatives from Pepsi and Coke-Cola about a contract with the school. Both gave similar proposals for exclusive rights for five years. The board approved signing with Pepsi for five years which will pay the school $2,500 per year for five years.
The board was presented a letter from the Vetal Volunteer Fire Department, expressing their desire to take over possession of the Riverside School building to utilize as a fire hall and community center. They are requesting the transfer of the property to them at no cost, because they have no additional funds and because they are a volunteer fire department.
Superintendent Semmler said legally, the school could turn it over to an organization like the fire department. The board tabled the matter until the next meeting.
The board approved Devonna Lone Wolf’s proposal to use the school gyms on April 1-3 for a basketball tournament. They told Lone Wolf she would need to pay $100 for utilities costs, a $50 janitorial fee and get liability insurance. Lone Wolf said she would like to put on a total of four tournaments and had provided the board with other dates. Semmler said he would hold those dates until they were approved or not approved at the next board meeting.
High School principal Bob Graham recommended to the board that they put the girls golfers on a JV schedule because of their inexperience. He said they could still participate in the regional meet if they are playing better at the end of the season, but suggested some of the courses are too tough for the young players and the other courses would help them develop better for next year.
Graham informed the board the Winter Athletic Banquet is March 28 at 6:30 at the Activity Center.
Grade School Stacy Halverson said there is a music concert for students in grades 4-6, March 29. She said the attendance rate is at 94.45 percent.
The board opened bids for the surplus boards from the bleachers in the Legion with Steve Livermont topping all bidders with at $810.50 for all the lumber.
The board reviewed the sporting event concessions and provided some interesting numbers. This year, the Junior class served 17 events, while the remaining 30 were divided among the various athletic and activities groups. This year’s concessions netted $15,055.18. That is compared to $3,098 last year and $2,098 the year before that. It was also noted those previous year’s amounts did not deduct the cost to pay advisors.
The board commended Maxie Bair for her work on running the concessions program and voted to give her 10 percent of the profits as an added incentive for her hard work.
In other action, the board accepted the resignation of Eric Bauder as 7-12 Physical Education instructor effective the end of the school year.
Semmler submitted a proposal to consider regarding Bennett County athletics, with a policy that high school teams are to consist of A, B and C teams and not based on grade level. Junior High students moving up to high school activities must follow board policy which includes approval of parents, head coach, principal or athletic director, and final approval from the board.
The Junior High programs should strive to promote healthy competitiveness, meaning in tournament play, not all kids may get to play in a game.
Coaches will divide players according to ability, not grade level.
Sixth grade students will be included in the junior high program in the sports of basketball, football and volleyball.
The board went into executive session and following re-entering regular session they made the following motions:
– To not renew positions based on reduction in staff the following teachers: Casey Brandriet and Loren Abernathy.
– Reduced contract of LexAnn Kienke to 2/3 position.
– Cut cross country program
– Non-renewal of classified staff members Kris Kratovil, Lavonne Cottier and Faye Harris.
Offer administrative contracts to High School Principal Robert Graham, Elementary School Principal Stacy Halverson, Co-Business Manager Jolene Robinson and Co-Business Manager Karen Coyle, all at pay freeze of current year’s salary. Offered contract to Belinda Ready with salary to be determined.