Collaborative trail to R-P school

Derek Olinger, Rushford city engineer from Bolton & Menk, presented a trail proposal to the Rushford-Peterson School Board at their first meeting of the year on January 23. The proposed 10-foot wide trail would run 1,660 feet from the north end of Prairie Street to the school parking lot. It would go between the ball fields and the backyards of some houses on Eiken Drive.

Previously, the school and city had applied unsuccessfully for grants to have a trail built in 2018 and 2019. The difference this time would be that the city would take on more of the work at a lower expense. The trail was projected to cost between $300,000 and $400,000 before; now Olinger said it could be done for $190,000. Under the proposal, the city would spend $107,000 and the school’s share would be $83,000. If necessary, the blacktopping and lighting for the trail could be delayed to reduce the expense at this time.

At this time, the city council has not yet officially discussed the project; staff has just been working on the proposal.

Superintendent Ben Bernard spoke to the board to share how he felt such a trail would benefit the school. The trail would provide a full loop of traffic-free walking trail around the campus. He stressed that it would be important to talk to the residents along the proposed trial to accommodate any objections there might be to such a trail. The trail would not be feasible along the street due to grading and space issues.

Bernard suggested that if the school opted to build the trail, it would be an appropriate time to add a few other sidewalks on the campus as needed.

After discussion during their business meeting, the board gave Bernard the approval to continue working with the city on the proposed trail. At this time, the school has not committed financially to the trail.

First Bite Grant

Bernard shared the good news that R-P has been awarded a First Bite Grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The food service will be able to access up to $9,962.00 to purchase local products. All Minnesota producers will be able to supply bids to the school. By purchasing food locally, other schools have reported a reduction in food expenses in three to five years.

In addition, Bernard happily noted that food service was fully staffed at this time. Because of that, food service has been able to increase items and services offered.

Organizational meeting

The board re-elected officers with Chris Grindland as chair, Amy Woxland as vice chair, Ken Sawle as treasurer, and Matt Helgemoe as clerk. Meeting dates and time remain the same as last year: the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

After discussion and comparison to other local districts, the board decided to raise the board member salaries from $800 to $1,000 annually. The chair receives an additional $300 per year with the clerk, treasurer, and vice chair receiving an additional $50 yearly.

Fillmore County Journal remains the official newspaper. Bank depositories stay the same with general funds at Rushford State Bank and deposit and investment accounts at Merchants Bank.

Committee assignments remained much the same with some adjustments as Nancy Snyder replaced Joyce Iverson on the board.

Other business

In other business the board:

•Continued with the first and second reading of school policies; the board will look at three or four policies at each meeting;

•Decided not to offer an early retirement incentive this year on the advice of Bernard who felt such an offering was not needed this year;

•Learned that Bernard goes out personally to check the bus route roads on potential snow days before making a decision;

•Heard that the one act play “Yerma” directed by Forrest Musselman will have a performance for the public Friday, January 27 at 7 p.m.;

•Learned that the second annual Dream Job Fair will be hosted at R-P February 17; students were surveyed previously for their job interests so presentations could be planned to fit their needs. One hundred students from other southeast Minnesota schools are expected to attend the fair as well.

The R-P School Board will meet again on February 27 at 6 p.m. in the forum room. This is a week later than normal due to Presidents’ Day. The public is welcome to attend; a public comment period is available during the meeting.