Cell Phone and Backpack Policies May Change at R-P

At their July 20 regular meeting, the Rushford-Peterson School Board did a first reading of the proposed MSHS Handbook for the 2026-2027 school year. This proposed handbook presented some changes to the middle school policies regarding backpacks and cell phones.

Middle school students would be required to leave their phones and backpacks in their lockers from the first bell to the last bell of the school day. Phones could be checked at the lockers between classes. Medical exceptions would be made with documentation on file.

MSHS Principal Brent Olson had surveyed the middle school staff regarding the proposed change. He also wants to receive parent input, opinions and concerns on the topic. Superintendent Dr. Ben Bernard asked the board members to also reach out to Olson with their opinions.

While the board approved the first reading of the handbook, they want to reach out to the community for their opinions. They encourage residents to contact the school. The second reading of the handbook will be at the next board meeting on August 17 at 5:30 p.m. (The meeting was moved from 6 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. because the board will be holding a retreat following the meeting.) The handbook will be finalized before the school year begins.

The annual 10-year updated LTFM (Long-Term Facilities Maintenance) Plan was reviewed and approved. Bernard informed the board that the administration had been holding back on larger projects. There are some needed items such as carpet and LED lights replacements. Bernard plans to go through the projects list with staff to prioritize the projects.

Bernard noted that there were not a lot of high priority projects since the building is relatively new. He pointed out that since the building was a new build all items were the same age and like items will all need replacing at the same time. This year R-P will receive $76,000 in LTFM funding. The amount will increase each year as the building ages.

The board reviewed the recently completed superintendent evaluation. Bernard was scored either effective or highly effective in all categories. He shared that two areas scored a bit lower were in retaining and hiring good staff and making sure the board has a good handle on finances. These topics will be considered as he sets his goals for the year. The board emphasized that he was doing a good job in these areas as well.

Superintendent Report

The only administrator report at this meeting was the superintendent report. Bernard reported that enrollment would be lower this year due to the smaller than usual kindergarten class of only 25 students. This dip in enrollment had been budgeted for. Bernard hopes to see a return to the usual approximately 50 students in the kindergarten class next year.

The front wall of the school is still not satisfactory according to Bernard. After sandblasting, the wall now looks like to has bullet holes in it. A textured skim coat will be added. Board member Jeff Michel pointed out that “there’s a lot of tooth there now that will hold the skim coat.”

Sidewalks are to be finished this coming week.

Other Business

In other business the board:

• Approved the insurance contract renewal which had a 7% increase;

• Approved the Hiawatha Valley Mental Health contract which serves students at R-P;

• Hired CohnReznick to complete the audit for the 2025-2026 school year; this is the same company as used in the past which has recently been purchased and had a name change;

• Approved the hiring of Hallie Courrier as long term substitute kindergarten teacher; the termination of a custodian and the resignations of Ava Drazkowski, eighth grade volleyball coach; Nikki Bunke, head cheer coach; and Sam Stensgard, van driver;

• Accepted donations totalling $42,613;

• Approved a memorandum of agreement with Nursing and Allied Health Clinical Affiliation; this agreement is between R-P and WSU to allow school nurse Stephanie Evanson to supervise nursing students as they train at R-P;

• Passed a resolution regarding the requiring of tally of write-in votes; write-in votes will only need to be counted if their number exceeds the number received by the lowest vote-getter on the ballot;

• Were reminded that filing for school board positions is going on now; the positions currently held by Jeff Michel, Nancy Snyder and Carl Schollmeier are up for election.