School board seeks feedback on 2018-19 calendar options

The New Rockford-Sheyenne school board met early on Thursday, Feb 14 to bring forth the discussion of the 2019-2020 academic calendar. Two potential options are up for consideration. The first option includes more frequent, shorter winter breaks and a partial week to start the school year. The year would begin on Wednesday, Aug. 21 and end on Friday, May. 22.

The second option includes one full week of spring break and a full week of attendance at the beginning of the school year. School would start on Monday, Aug. 19 and end Wednesday, May. 20. Graduation is set for Sunday, May 24, no matter which option is chosen.

Most staff seem to prefer the first option with smaller breaks throughout winter and spring as opposed to a full week of spring break. The board is seeking public feedback on this issue. They plan to adopt a calendar at their meeting on Monday, Feb. 25.

Other topics included a reduction in board size. In previous years New Rockford had a five-member board, and increased membership to seven due to the consolidation with Sheyenne in 2007. The North Dakota School Board Association advised President John Grann of the legal procedure that must be followed to make such changes, which involves a vote of the public. Grann said the board should hold an open forum with citizens before pursuing this.

Upon a recommendation from Heskin, the 2019 School Board Election was set for June 4, with canvassing on June 10 during the regular school board meeting. Residents who wish to be on the ballot for election to an open seat on the board must complete an application and return it to the school office by April 1.

Parents are invited to the school on Tuesday, Feb. 26 for Parent Teacher Conferences. Elementary teachers will be available for individual consultations from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. This year conferences for junior high and high school will be a bit different, as the students will have the opportunity to present their goals and progress to their parents in their Rocket Time classroom.

The school board will hold a special Part 2 meeting on Monday, Feb. 25 at 7 a.m. The agenda is outlined below.

NEW ROCKFORD-SHEYENNE BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING IN CAFETERIA PART 2

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2019, 7 A.M.

I. REGULAR ITEMS

A. Call to order, roll call, establishment of quorum, and approval of agenda.

1. Presentation of Bills.

II. OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS

IV. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR DISCUSSION OR ACTION

A. 2019-2020 School Calendar. Attachment. Motion.

B. 2019-2020 Budget Planning Parameters. Discussion.

V. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Regular Meeting: Monday, March 11, 2019 6:00 p.m.

VI. ADJOURNMENT