Photo by Wanda Hanson
The Rushford-Peterson School Board held one of the shortest meetings ever on July 15. A mere seven minutes passed between the beginning of the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the gavel ending the meeting. That is not to say that no business was accomplished. Superintendent Dr. Ben Bernard provides most of the information to the board before the meeting; as a result, there was little if any discussion needed before voting on items. There were no people in attendance to provide public comment.
The LTFM (Long Term Facilities Maintenance) 10-year plan needed to be approved. According to Bernard, it is a “best guess” on the facilities needs of the district for the next 10 years. The total revenue projected over that time ranged from $61,217 to $127,238 a year; while the total projected expenditures ranged from $50,100 to $179,300 a year. The plan was approved with no discussion.
The board approved a resolution calling for a general election to be held Tuesday, November 5 to elect four board members. The board members whose seats are up for election are Ken Sawle, Matt Helgemoe, Amy Woxland and Chris Grindland. These board members are likely to run again for their positions, but nothing is official until they file. Filing for the positions will open July 30 and close at 5:p.m. August 13. Anyone wishing to file can do so at the district office; the filing fee is $2.00.
Superintendent Bernard was authorized to advertise for snow removal bids for the next year. Smith Schafer was hired to complete the audit of the 2023-2024 school year.
A bus contract was approved with Bernard Bus Service, the lone bidder. R-P will pay $355,923 for bussing for the 2024-2025 school year and $370, 160 for the 2025-2026 school year. Extra-curricular and special trips will be at $2.22 per mile and $20.16 per hour additionally. A hydraulic-lift chair equipped bus for physically handicapped students will also be provided at an additional rate.
In his superintendent report, Bernard shared that R-P ended the year with four fewer students than in the 2022-2023 school year. Information has been posted on Facebook for families interested in open enrolling at R-P who have questions. Bernard has received responses to the posting and is working to answer those inquiries.
Bernard reported that the city ball field has been completed. He lauded the “great cooperation” between the city and school in completing the project together.
The custodial staff has been working on bare grass areas on the elementary playground after a “tremendous amount” of use during the school year. Bernard shared that the sledding hill has been mowed to prepare it for possible use if snow comes next winter.
The HVED (Hiawatha Valley Education District) report included a request for parents of special education students to consider joining SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council). HVED hopes to have at least one parent from each member school district. Quarterly virtual meetings are held via Zoom.
Donations received by Rushford-Peterson in July included $167 from MiEnergy Cooperative for Holiday BB Tourney Sponsorship; $350 from the Foundation for RP Schools Angel Fund for summer school snacks; $4,000 from Dale Vestch for baseball scoreboard.
The board granted a leave of absence from August 19 to November 1 to Jodi Peters, administrative assistant and transportation coordinator.
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