NR-S issues official statement regarding East Central

On May 23, representatives from New Rockford-Sheyenne attended a contentious mediation session with East Central at the Federal Courthouse in Fargo, and for the first time since, have discussed publicly their opinions of how that day transpired.

At their regular meeting on Monday, June 20, board member Todd Allmaras, who attended the mediation in person, told the board there were “no appreciable gains” as a result of mediation, and that emotions had hijacked the process and left little room for real progress.

Alyson Myhre, who also attended mediation, agreed, adding that she found the process “extremely frustrating,” and that she left mediation feeling there was no forward momentum whatsoever.

The board as a whole, including those who didn’t attend mediation, expressed frustration with the general lack of progress since they began discussing alternatives to East Central last year.

Nevertheless, their discussions ended on a relatively positive note, as they discussed potential “olive branches” to be extended towards East Central.

The board also reacted positively to apparent progress regarding East Central and Title IX, one of the issues discussed in mediation, and expressed a willingness to wait and see if principals Avolt Baumbach and Natalie Becker can make progress now that they’re representing NR-S together on East Central’s board.

Baumbach, who attended East Central’s board meeting that morning, reported that he felt a genuine desire to move forward on the part of East Central.

Regardless, the NR-S board made it clear that if progress isn’t made, they may once again explore potential alternatives to East Central.

Following Monday’s meeting, the school board drafted an official statement with regard to East Central.

"The New Rockford-Sheyenne School Board is committed to supporting, through its budget and policy, the best possible education for all students. It also recognizes that it has a responsibility to exercise its duty to the taxpayers of the NR-S District. In doing so, it analyzes its expenditures and services, which has included a robust review of special education services over the past year. Our special education students and staff, and their families, are an important and fundamental part of our school community. Our goal is to ensure that our students receive exceptional programming and in doing so, ensure that our finances are efficiently appropriated as well.

The New Rockford-Sheyenne School Board and Administration hope to see improved communication and collaboration with East Central as they continue to provide special education services for NR-S students."

Other business conducted at Monday’s board meeting included the hiring of two new teachers for the district.

The board was excited to have the opportunity to hire an art teacher for high school. Amber Fortnoy, previously a part-time art teacher for the Fessenden-Bowdon School District, will now split her time between Fessenden-Bowdon and NR-S.

In his principals’ report, Baumbach recommended making the hire and said he expects there will be plenty of interest for art among high schoolers.

Next, the board considered Jim Fleming to fill the open Tech and Engineering position.

Superintendent Jill Louters recommended hiring Fleming, contingent upon him acquiring an alternative access license. The motion to hire Fleming was carried unanimously, after board members expressed confidence that he’d obtain the necessary licensure.

Before adjourning, the board approved the results of the June 7 school board elections, which resulted in the election of Eric Perleberg and the reelection of Mike Jacobson. They also said a heartfelt thanks to Alyson Myhre for her nine years of service to the NR-S school board.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 11 at 7 p.m.