School Board gets on track with funds transfer
RANDOLPH — The high school track may not be on the fast track to getting replaced but it’s out of the starting block at least.
At its meeting Monday night, the board approved a money transfer from the general fund into the building depreciation fund to be used for replacing the track.
“We want to get the most out of it as we can and we think we can for the next year or two,” said Supt. Jeff Hoesing.
He said some of the white stripe on the outer lane of the track is crumbling over the edge. To replace the track’s asphalt base and widen it would cost about $260,000.
“That was October 2020 prices,” Hoesing said.
During board member reports, Vice President Jim Scott said he gets the most questions from parents about masks and the Department of Education health standards which include sex and gender education.
Both issues have created controversy with strong opponents and strong supporters.
During discussion, board members voiced that there’s conflicting information regarding the use of masks on buses.
According to the CDC, masks would be required on buses but that’s not the guidance from the Nebraska Department of Education. Guidance versus mandates and enforce
Guidance versus mandates and enforcement left up to administration has left many scratching their heads. For the start of the 21-22 school year, stu
For the start of the 21-22 school year, students will attend without the requirement of wearing masks. That’s how last school year started, however, masks became a requirement from October through April.
“We had to go to masks because there were just too many kids in quarantine. We have every intention of hanging in there as much as we can this year,” Hoesing said. He said most parents took last year’s six
He said most parents took last year’s sixmonth mask requirement in stride.
“I think they could see the writing on the wall,” he said.
The health standards are currently in a second-draft form but still have some language that is not agreeable to some board members.
Hoesing encouraged the board to look through the most recent draft and mark those areas where they disagree.
“We’re taking a wait and see attitude because we knew the first draft wasn’t going to go,” he said. “Whatever we adopt, it can be our own version.”
At the hour-long meeting, the school board also:
- Approved a general funds transfer of $15,000 into the Activities Fund.
- Approved an updated list of sponsors with the addition of Tom Schafer for an assistant track coach. He replaces Melissa Davis who moved away from the area.
- Heard an update from Elementary Principal Mary Miller including expected enrollment numbers, trainings she has attended and important upcoming school year dates.
- Heard an update from High School Principal Brandi Bartels on new staff, enrollment numbers and trainings she attended. Junior High students participating in sports will be practicing the last period of the school day and extend practice until 4:30 p.m. Another change for this year includes snacks for students only available before school and during lunch.
- Set the date for the staff appreciation picnic of Tuesday, Aug. 24, followed by the budget workshop at 8 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be on a new day - Wednesday, Sept. 15.
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