The new school is just two months or less from completion and several in attendance at the Monday, June 19 R-P School Board meeting were noticeably eager to see it done. “Things are moving along; you can trust that they are,” said District Superintendent Chuck Ehler. An administration walk through of the lower classrooms was held last week, June 15, and a tour of the progress on the upper classrooms is slated for the coming week.
Completion of kitchen units is underway, as is the rigging for the theatre curtains. The floor in the elementary and middle school gym is being installed. Completion of punch list items in the classroom wings is underway and finishing work is happening in much of the building.
There was some frustration with the project as more than 3.5 inches of rain fell in less than 50 minutes during the week, causing a silt slide from the property to adjacent properties west of Grimsrud Way. Work on the roadway had been underway prior to the rainfall and insurance claims have been dealt with. Subsequent rains saw Pine Meadows as the recipient of gravel from the work, according to Ehler.
The district is set to begin moving in to the new facility on July 5. A schedule of moving is being coordinated by Community Education Director Lisa Lawston. Superintendent Ehler indicated the process would begin in lower levels first. The second level is only accessible by one elevator, as in the current facility, so the speed of the move into those rooms is limited. There is a form on the district’s website for any wanting to volunteer to assist with moving, but Ehler noted the process will be an organized one. “We don’t want mass chaos.”
Board Director Dean Mierau questioned the administration on rumors regarding gymnasium access and usage at the new facility. Ehler stated that the district is working with coaches and an advisory committee to determine the details. Currently, graduates of the school are permitted to have fee-based access, which is waived for one year following graduation. “This will continue at the new facility,” noted Ehler.
In reviewing revisions to the 2016-2017 budget, as well as adoption of the 2017-2018 budget, the board was made aware of $400,000 in assigned funds, that was set aside as part of a larger $510,000, years ago. It was stated by Ehler that the funds were believed to have been set aside in 2008 for the purpose of the new school facility. The funds are to be used towards the new school and are in addition to construction bond dollars. “They are additional funds we might need to finish everything we want to finish at the new school,” indicated District Business Manager Toni Oian. Assignment of the funds can be determined by the board, but the funds must be utilized at the new facility.
Discussion of improvements at the athletic fields was also discussed and Oian indicated that the district may want to consider taking the cost of those improvements out of operating expenses. Additional expenses above and beyond plans for the new facility include shop equipment. A similar suggestions for $45,000 in equipment has been presented to the district from vocational education was also presented.
In discussing the revised current year budget, district staff was initially expecting a $30,000 deficit to the general fund. However, due to legal fees from ongoing litigation, the district is now expecting a $134,000 deficit. “In legal fees this year, we’re way over budget,” stated Oian.
Mierau questioned the administration and Oian on what the impact to the district would be should they lose the lawsuit. “Where would that money be expensed from?” asked Mierau.
“We would have to figure it out,” responded Ehler. Oian added that the district can levy for judgements awarded against the district. The case is currently in the hands of the judge and a ruling is expected by August 1.
In other news, a policy for unpaid meal charges has been reviewed and adopted. The written policy is requested for any district that accepts federal funds for food service. This helps the district meet federal guidelines for the program.
Board Director Jon Pettit stressed that there has always been an irritation getting parents to pay the bill. “The demeaning part I didn’t like,” said Pettit, who recalled children being marked with a marker on the hand or a piece of tape on their shirt if they were behind in payments for meals. “It’s really stiff, even with this policy,” continued Pettit. “If their parents don’t pay the bill, it’s not the kids’ fault.”
Superintendent Ehler clarified that the district does not set the children with unpaid balances apart in any way, nor does it let those who cannot pay go without a meal. “We don’t let any children go hungry here. We don’t do any of that anymore. As a district, we have ways to insist families pay their food service account. It’s a sensitivity issue and we don’t want to draw attention.”
Ehler indicated that there’s been a significant drop in free and reduced meals, from a large participation to 37%. This drop has reduced the district’s ability to have a summer food program. “We just don’t meet the criteria,” he stated, noting despite pride or thinking one won’t qualify, everyone should. “If we receive compulsory funds from the state, it benefits everyone all the way around.”
In general housekeeping, the board unanimously passed a Hiawatha Valley Education District agreement for reimbursement for student membership for ALC Learning, a resolution to renew membership with the Minnesota State High School League, and the annual Q-Comp Report.
The next regularly scheduled board meeting, Monday, July 17 will be the last in the old facility. It is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in the high school biology room. The public is encouraged to attend.