School board meets in September
The Rugby Public School District School Board met Tuesday, September 13 at 7 a.m. in the RHS Board Room.
Ely Elementary School Principal, Jason Gullickson, reported that enrollment is at 296 students this year. The recent changes in recess/lunch times have seen positive feedback, both from students and staff members. The changes bring more uninterrupted classroom time, as well as more time during recess. The cafeteria, in general, is more settled at lunchtime, as well.
Picture day at Ely is Thursday, and Grandparents’ Day will be split between October 4th and 5th.
Jared Blikre, Rugby High School Principal, reported that enrollment is up this year, with 261 students, in part because of the large 7th grade class. 7th-10th grades will be testing through the next two weeks. The senior class attended Futurepalooza, a career fair in Minot, this past Tuesday, and the sophomore class attended the NCEC career fair at MSUB this past Wednesday.
Picture day at RHS will be on September 28th.
Superintendent Mike McNeff reported that the district is currently looking to fill the empty custodial position at Ely Elementary and that a $50,000 grant was approved to cover the costs of the new playground.
The School Board is looking for a new school vehicle, as both of the current school vans are at high mileage and one has hail damage. The desire is for an SUV-like vehicle that can be purchased locally.
The Board also discussed the Transportation Advisory Committee. Meetings are held twice per year, where representatives can talk about concerns along each transportation route.
Other business items that were covered included use of school facilities for the school and the community, school/parent relation goals, and the Clay Target Club, among more.
McNeff also explained the Every Student Succeeds Act, Title IV, and how those funds can be used. There will be a small amount of funds, $10,000, made available for the 2017-2018 school year in Title IV. These funds can be used for providing students with a well-rounded education, supporting safe and healthy students, and supporting the effective use of technology. These funds will be used to help sustain and keep current staff members for the next academic year, providing students with a well-rounded education.
The North Dakota School Boards Association Convention will be held October 27-28 in Bismarck. Rugby Public School District is allowed three voting delegates from its School Board.
Measure Two was also discussed, as it will be on the November ballot and effects how the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund is accessed. The Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund is only made available when there are budget shortfalls at the state level. This fund has only been accessed once in 2002, and then again this past year. 15% of what is in the fund is protected, and above that is available for K-12 educational purposes. If the measure does not pass this November, budget cuts are expected to be made.
The Mill Levy Increase Hearing will be held on September 29 at 7 p.m. in the RHS Library Room.
The next School Board meeting will be on October 11 at 7 a.m.