Apr 16

Written by: ngreditor
4/16/2008 7:48 AM 

School Board continues to mull co-op

Kenneth Purscell

The Newman Grove School Board, in its April 14 meeting, gave its informal consent to the next steps in formalizing a coop agreement for the 2008-09 school year.

Negotiations will proceed with Lindsay Holy Family to share high school wrestling and cross-country programs. Board action will await a formal agreement between the two schools. But Superintendent Herb Pokorny hopes to have this agreement ready to present to a board meeting by May 12.

There is a June deadline for declaring such an agreement for cross-country.

A co-op arrangement was the subject of two recent special meetings of the board, first to visit with the Holy Family board, and second to hear public opinion.

Another possible co-op arrangement with Elkhorn Valley, this one involving junior high sports, has been put on hold. However, Newman Grove will face a need beginning in the 2009-10 year, and the board is anticipating that need.

“We don’t need to co-op right now,” said chair Roger Lyon, “but in the following year we will. I don’t want to be in a corner a year from now without any choices.”

HS Principal Beth Nelson counseled caution. “We need to let the Holy Family crosscountry arrangement get its feet first,” she said. Any high school agreement would be involved with the NHSAA, unlike a co-op involving junior high activities.

In other business, the Board seven summer projects. In particular, the basketball floor will be refinished, rest rooms in the elementary building will receive new stools, some carpet will be replaced, and a new tarp will be purchased for the gym floor.

Total cost is $13,400, which will come from the building fund.

The Board also approved criteria for accepting students into next year’s preschool program. These criteria will be published in a letter to parents.

The Board approved the calendar for the 2008-09 school year. Classes will begin on August 13, with the last day of school on May 15.

The Board approved hiring Matt Rudloff as guidance counselor for the 2008-09 year.

Resignations were received from central office secretary Janice Cleveland, who has served for 19 years, and first grade teacher Mary Jo Buhl, who has taught at Newman Grove for 17 years. Part time custodian Andy Potmesil, has also resigned.