The Owen-Withee School Board held their regular meeting on Monday, September 15. The consent agenda was approved, including minutes, payment of bills, activity account balances, the resignation of Kassie Kopp, and the hiring of Jana Schmitz as MS Volleyball coach and Dylan Kaae as MS Football coach. Board member Adam Simington asked a question about rent income labeled “vertical bridge.” It was believed that might be for the cell tower, but District Administrator Randy Bergman was going to check on it.
The student recognition for the Track team was postponed until October.
Preliminary enrollment numbers for the year are at 450 students. The average enrollment will stay the same, but this is down about 16 students from last year.
Bergman went over the preliminary budget numbers. He said property values in the district are up 11.2 percent. State aid is also projected to increase. Currently the maximum revenue allowed per student is $11,735.38. The preliminary tax levy is $2,640,997. The projected mill rate is $6.23 per thousand. The final numbers will be approved at the annual meeting on October 27 and could change. Board member Dean Schmelzer asked a question about how summer school enrollment is calculated for the budget. Bergman said enrollment is counted at 40 percent. Schmelzer would like a breakdown of numbers for both the June and August summer school to see how they compare. Funding for middle school baseball/softball was also discussed. Bergman put $10,000 in the budget to support that. He calculated the cost based on two coaches, $500 for equipment and mileage. It will be put on the agenda after the budget is approved. Bergman also gave the board some questions and answers about school taxes that he plans to put in the newspaper.
School meal fee collection was discussed. Bergman wanted to know what he should do after he goes through all the steps in the policy. The district has a family that has had some hardships but don’t qualify for free or reduced meals. They owe about $1,200. He asked about putting them on a payment plan. Board member Joan Jalling asked about taking them to small claims court. The other board members didn’t like that idea. Bergman said he will be meeting with them. The kids currently can’t go on field trips, etc. because of the money owed. Schmelzer said Bergman should talk to them and give an update next month. Board member Todd Nelson felt the kids were getting isolated out for something that is not their fault. There was a suggestion to make helping this family get caught up a community effort. There was also a question about whether some food could be grown in the greenhouse and the savings used to help families in difficulty pay for meals.
The board approved painting the floor of the men’s bathroom to match the new tile. The cost will be $4,900. It can be done on a Friday to a Monday, which might mean shutting down the bathroom for a day or two. Schmelzer asked if it could be done over Christmas break.
District Administrator Bergman asked for permission to approve certain expenses under $5,000 without coming to the board. He would report them to the board. Board member Robyn Renderman suggested he could just send the board members an email letting them know what he purchased. This will be put on the next agenda for approval. Bergman said he would like to meet with the Buildings and Grounds Committee to talk about next summer’s projects.
The October School Board meeting will be October 27 following the Annual meeting.
Under Reports, Elementary Principal Julie VanArk’s report was read as she was at her son’s football game. Her report mentioned the donation of school supplies. They are doing FastBridge assessments to determine their base. Attendance is a priority and they intend to continue doing Bruno Bucks.
Middle/High School Principal Nate Johnson said that the new reading program, SOAR. is doing well. The cell phone policy is going well and students are complying. One Act Play practice is about to begin. It is Homecoming Week. Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for October 16.
District Administrator Randy Bergman said the principals are doing a good job. He has heard nothing but positive from kids about the reading program. Deb Smith is working three hours a day to replace the English teacher that resigned. Julie VanArk and Katie Hatlestad are also helping teach English classes. Bergman takes over as Elementary Principal when VanArk is in the classroom. He is looking for another teacher and has someone interested. Jalling asked how Anna Syryczuk was working out as bookkeeper. Bergman said she is doing okay. Board member Julie Wendler asked how the Alternative School is doing. They are doing it in the morning and currently have seven students enrolled.
Nelson asked if they could get an update on staff with emergency licensure. The response was one is done, one is student teaching now, one is testing out, only the Physical Education teacher is left.
