NR-S School board holds special meeting to discuss music staffing

On Wednesday, March 29, the New Rockford-Sheyenne School Board held a special meeting with only one item on the agenda – discussion of music staffing.

Potentially letting go of one of the district’s two music teachers had been brought up at the board’s regular meeting on Monday, March 13, prompting dozens to appear in person, where they expressed their disapproval of the idea and their support for the NR-S music program.

The potential of reducing the music program by one full-time teacher was presented alongside a number of other options for spending cuts, after preliminary budget projections showed the district’s expenses exceeding revenues by more than $118,000 for the 2023-24 school year.

The special meeting on Wednesday was held via Zoom, and as many as 21 community members tuned in live to watch the evening’s discussion.

Mike Jacobson, board president, began the meeting by saying the night’s agenda would consist entirely of discussion, and that no decision would be made.

He then shared a prepared statement directed at those listening, saying board members are no different than anyone else, and are trying to do what’s best for the students at New Rockford-Sheyenne.

Jacobson then addressed what he called “appalling” behavior on social media.

“Now, all of this drama and misinformation on social media regarding the school is pretty appalling. These are adults doing this,” said Jacobson. “Let's remember, we as adults, we’re the role models for the next generation. We should be teaching our kids how to cope with circumstances and how to problem-solve in instructive ways. We should be teaching our youth how to communicate in a respectful way, not through negative posts on social media.

“The world is a hard enough place, I mean no wonder mental health issues plague this country,” he continued. “Let’s have respect for our school and the people who work there. Whether they’re administrators, teachers or folks preparing and serving your kids’ lunch, these people don’t deserve to be bashed or made to feel worthless. It’s not nice nor is it right.”

Following Jacobson’s statement, an hour-long discussion began regarding the budget and music program.

NR-S Business Manager Dave Skogen cautioned early on that, because of how preliminary the budget projections are, it’s tough to know how serious the budget problem is at this stage. In particular, he mentioned the ongoing legislative session and pending teacher-contract negotiations, which could significantly alter the school’s bottom line.

With that understanding, a number of different options to cut spending were discussed, and among them was the possibility of raising the mill levy.

Skogen said the school could raise the mill levy a certain amount on its own, but that to increase it enough to cover $118,000 or more would likely require a public vote at the ballot box.

Board member Todd Allmaras said he was surprised to hear from some parents and property owners that were receptive to the possibility of increasing the mill levy. He added that, based on research he’d conducted prior to Wednesday’s special meeting, the district could raise approximately $60,000 without having to go to a public vote.

Other options discussed included cutting the transportation budget, cutting a social studies position, only cutting the music program by 0.5 FTE (full time equivalency) and simply allowing the school to deficit spend.

Jacobson also responded to suggestions by some in the community that the student engagement position – currently occupied by Tyler Cook – be considered for cuts. Jacobson advised against cutting the position, citing the importance of keeping kids engaged and enrolled at NR-S.

“Our graduating senior class this year has 13 kids in it. When they started their 10th grade year they had 21 kids in it,” said Jacobson.

“... So when I think about that student engagement position and what they’re doing there and some of the creativeness they kind of put towards keeping specifically those juniors and seniors really engaged and making those junior and senior years worthwhile, I guess I have a difficult time going backwards from that,” he added.

Regarding the potential of reducing the music program by one full-time teacher, Board member Patti Larson expressed her desire to see cutting teachers be the last resort.

Board member Mary Kay Price, meanwhile, said it’s important to follow the numbers.

“I guess in my opinion we need to stick to the numbers too,” she said. “If we don’t think we have enough students for two music teachers, I mean that’s just how it is. … If we can make it work with two, that’s fine, but we still have to follow the numbers and just know how many music teachers we really need.”

Jacobson and Allmaras clarified that removing one full-time teaching position, from the music program or otherwise, does not necessarily mean letting a staff member go – rather, the teacher in that position may have another place in the district.

Many other sentiments were expressed and ideas debated throughout the evening. The full-length recording of the meeting is available to view on the school’s Facebook page.

No final decisions were made Wednesday. However, N.D. Century Code requires that the removal of any teaching position must be completed by April 15.

The school’s next regular board meeting is scheduled for April 10 at 7 p.m.

The final budget for 2023-24 won’t be officially voted on until July.