| School
Board meets
The school board held their regular December meeting Monday, Dec. 20 at the Prairie Middle School library. The emergency closure due to the power outage on Nov. 16 was officially approved by the board. Superintendent Rene’ Forsmann informed the board that they have enough extra hours built into the schedule that they shouldn’t have to reschedule that day. The building inspection was discussed with some of the items noted and how they will handle them. The inspector also wrote a letter to the district complimenting maintenance man Jake Forsmann. The district also received a letter from State Superintendent Tom Luna commending Amy Sigler for her efforts in working with a new state program. A new policy section was presented dealing with drug testing for bus drivers. It would expand and be more specific than the section they currently have. The board members will look it over and act on it at the January meeting. The board decided not to rotate their meetings among the schools in January through March like they have done in the past since they have already held a meeting at the high school and with the Elementary building being closed, they didn’t see the need to meet there. They will look into inviting the staff from the other buildings to future meetings for a social and to hear concerns. They also decided to keep the January meeting on Jan. 17. In the past the superintendents have asked to have it changed since that meeting falls on Martin Luther King Day, which is a school holiday. Forsmann said she would have no problem meeting on that date. Chris Altman was approved as a volunteer assistant coach for wrestling. This is an unpaid position but still needs board approval as he would be working with Prairie students. In the facilities upgrade report, Forsmann noted there will be a bid walk-through Tuesday, Dec. 21, for the work on the lower level at the high school. Bids are set to be opened on Jan. 7. She also reported she will be discussing room assignments and moving of staff for next year with the staff on Jan. 14. She didn’t want to release any details on her plans until the staff has been informed. She also reported what she’s looking at to cover for Colleen Sonnen’s classes and duties for the rest of the school year. Krystal Ellis has the certification to cover Colleen’s classes at the Middle School and they will look into finding a second grade teacher for the second semester to take Mrs. Ellis’ class. She also reported that she was informed that Mrs. Ellis was named the VFW’s state teacher of the year and will now be submitted for national competition. In her administrative report Forsmann noted it appears the school and health and welfare budgets will likely take another big hit in the upcoming legislative session. The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m. The next regular meeting will be Monday, January 17 at 7 p.m. at the Middle School Library. |
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