R-P Changes MS Cell Phone Policy

The Rushford-Peterson School Board approved the handbooks for both the MSHS and the elementary school at their regular monthly meeting August 17. The board had tabled the handbooks last month pending further research with parents.

MSHS Principal Brent Olson reported to the board that he had sent out 290 surveys and received many replies. Parents of middle school students strongly supported the proposed change to the middle school cell phone policy; they were “lukewarm” on a policy restricting backpacks in the classroom. Several parents had explained that the stacked middle school lockers caused problems for students. As a result, many preferred to be able to take their back packs to class.

Parents of high school students did not strongly support restricting cell phones as much at the high school level.

Staff had also been surveyed regarding the policies. The staff wanted the new cell phone policy for the MS. Backpacks have been an issue in classes with students bringing food and other items in them.

After discussion, the board decided to follow Olson’s recommendation to have MS students put their phones “away for the day” with no access during the school day. At this time, MS students will be allowed to have backpacks in class, but this could change during the year if current policy is abused. Students will be informed of that possibility. Nothing changed for the high school phone and backpack policies.

Regular Business

In regular business, the board set the Truth In Taxation meeting for December 21, a regular board meeting night, at 6 p.m. The January organizational board meeting was set for January 11 at 6 p.m. This is a change from the regular third Monday due to MLK Jr. Day.

Adult breakfast prices were set at $2.55; adult lunches prices were set at $5.30. This reflects the minimum prices suggested by MDE.

Reports

Superintendent Ben Bernard reported that R-P is down 33 students from last year. This is due to the smaller kindergarten class with only 25 students. Next year’s kindergarten class is expected to be closer to the average of 40 to 50.

Bernard informed the board that some of the sandblasting on the front of the school is still not acceptable; he is still addressing this.

Elementary Principal Angela Shepard shared that there are eight new staff at the school, enthusiastically preparing for the year.

MSHS Principal Brent Olson informed the board that R-P will have 45 college credits available through concurrent classes. In addition, AP Psych and U.S. History are offered. Students taking the concurrent English class may opt to take an additional test to earn a couple more AP credits. There are three new teachers at MSHS in ag, band and math.

New AD Jeff Cole spoke about unity branding at the school; he suggested adding flags to the light poles at the school. Cole shared a link to the school’s new communication app, Bound. This easy-to-use app allows users to make customizable calendars of activities and events as well as purchase tickets online.

Board Retreat

The board recessed the meeting to enjoy a supper served by Bernard and Chair Amy Woxland. After enjoying Bernard’s beef sandwiches, the board continued with a board retreat.

Bernard went through their strategic goals, sharing how far they’d come. He emphasized that he wanted to look at trends they can predict and the question, “How can we make our school run as efficiently as possible?”

Having a math specialist at the elementary school had helped the school push all students to achieve more. This year a reading specialist has been added to do the same.

Bernard spoke about the statewide Permanent School Fund which has grown to more than $2.3 billion. Voters will be asked this fall to approve an amendment to allow the disbursement of a higher percentage to schools. If this passes, R-P would receive around $16,000 more.

Aaron Bushberger of Ehler’s presented information on operating referendums. R-P currently has an operating referendum that will be expiring in a few years. State legislature has given the school board the one-time authority to renew that referendum at the same rate and time period. He shared other options such seeking an additional referendum or revoking and replacing the current referendum with another.

Communication was a big discussion point at the retreat. The board urged communicating with the public to promote the benefits of R-P. Concurrent enrollment classes allow students to receive college credits while still attending R-P. Fewer students are opting for PSEO as a result.

Bushberger stressed that open enrollment students also generate funding from operating referendums without increasing taxes for district residents. While resident student numbers have been decreasing, open enrollment has increased.