School Board approves budget, mill levy to remain the same

The New Rockford-Sheyenne School board approved the district's final 2020-21 budget at the Sept. 14 meeting. While the budget’s expenditures total $4,508,646.19, the projected revenue is estimated to be $4,621,807.95. The resulting $113,161.79 has been unallocated, as the board anticipates the need for budgetary accommodations for staffing in areas such as math, science and social-emotional wellness.

Adjustments to this year’s budget include the acquisition of a yellow bus at $94,000, the cost of which will be partially covered by a Clean Diesel grant in the amount of $50,000. The budget also includes $15,000 in fees for distance learning.

The Final Certificate of Levy was also approved. The public levy meeting was held on Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. The proposed levy remains the same as last year, totaling $1,603,936 (or 99.38 mills). The general fund will account for $1,122,015 (or 70 mills). The miscellaneous fund totals $103,000 (or 6.62 mills). These funds are earmarked for technology support. The 10 mills for the building fund total $160,288, and the 12.76 mills for debt service on the $3 million renovation project account for $218,633.

The Department of Public Instruction’s 2019-20 financial report for NR-S suggested that on average, each student in attendance will cost $10,036 per year to educate. With an estimated average daily attendance of 307.88 students, that cost totals $3,089,883.68.

The number of students enrolled for the 2020-21 school year remains stable, despite coronavirus concerns. There are 319 students enrolled in grades K-12 at NR-S, and 33 pre-K students. Superintendent Jill Louters reported nine students have enrolled in homeschool this year.

As the board heard reports from the principals, staff and students, one theme became abundantly clear— students want to be in school. The task now at hand, according to Louters is to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for students and staff.

Elementary Principal Natalie Becker reported that of the 214 elementary students onsite for in-person learning this year, there are 11 new students. In addition, 17 students are enrolled in K-6 distance learning courses. Becker along with tech coordinator Amy Cudworth are monitoring students as they work through the online curriculum. In addition, Becker is communicating directly with distance learning families on a regular basis to ensure students remain on track.

During the school day, according to Becker, students have been compliant when it comes to wearing masks and implementing social distancing. “I see lots of waves and air high-fives from the students… It’s just so good to have them back,” she said.

Student representatives Cassie Longnecker and Chloe Heinz were in agreement with Becker’s statement. Longnecker stated, “We’re so glad to be back in-person and thankful for it to be possible.”

Heinz added, “It’s exciting to have extracurriculars back.”

The superintendent’s report offered by Louters provided insight into the need for COVID-19 protocols to keep students safe. The health and safety plan – which is available on the NR-S school website – hinges on small groups, masks and social distancing. In addition, teachers are regularly practicing daily contact tracing within their classrooms in an effort to respond quickly and effectively if and when an outbreak occurs in the school.

Currently, the school is operating within a yellow level. This level of moderate caution is in place due to heightened exposure risk and transmission. Risk is mitigated through robust contact tracing, social distancing and other precautions as needed. Increased cleaning on high-touch surfaces is routine.

A recent uptick in COVID activity throught the community led the board to question what a transition to the red level, or distance learning, might look like. Louters replied, “We want to be in school for all the right reasons.”

Louters explained that the red level would be implemented under the advice of public health when there is a significant level of uncontrolled transmission in the community. Moving to the red level would mean that students remain at home and continue their education under a distance learning plan. Should instricution moves, Louters asserted that staff will be taking steps to deliver classroom content in an effective manner.

Should the opportunity arise to transition to green, the school will continue heightened sanitation. Priorities will be placed on the reintegration of elementary classes and the reimplementation of exploratory classes such as music, art, PE and high school electives. Full school days will be reinstated with a dismissal time of 3:20 p.m. within a full school week.

While there are currently no COVID-19 cases among the school students or staff as of press time, there is no indication that NR-S would be transitioning out of the yellow any time soon.

Other Business

In an effort to respond to student needs regarding social and emotional health, the board approved a formal arrangement between the school and Sources of Strength. This year marks the third year that Sources of Strength has been an active student organization designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying and substance abuse. The mission of Sources of Strength is to prevent suicide by increasing help-seeking behaviors and promoting connections between peers and caring adults. The agreement articulates an hourly fund for one internal advisor and one external advisor.

The board also approved the issuance of a request for proposals for an architecture bid for the construction of the second gym. It is expected that an architectural rendering will run 5-7% of the proctect budget, but is necessary in order to develop an accurate cost estimate for the project.

Board regulations were added to Title IX, which provides a process for filing a claim for discrimination under an education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Effective August 14, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education issued new regulations regarding the implementation of Title IX. The changes were recommended by the North Dakota School Board Association and include a requirement that the complainant submits a formal complaint. to the Title IX Coordinator.

The next school board meeting will be held Monday, October 12 at 7 p.m. via zoom.