School District hires teacher for new behavioral health program
The Rugby Public School Board approved a contract for Special Education Teacher Jessica Bosch to be hired as a way to help students with behavioral health needs.
Currently, students with severe behavioral health needs are being out serviced in institutions such as Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch and other residential programs outside of the district. The district is required to pay tuition for each of these students to whichever program they are attending.
Superintendent Dr. Mike McNeff believes having a behavioral health program for students in Rugby would help to limit costs, as well as better help students with these needs. “We’d like to serve our kids in our community and there’s a need,” he said.
The program would be held in the Armory, with facility updates costing between $15,000-$20,000. These costs will be supported by the school district’s building fund.
The district’s general fund is approximately $234,000 over what it was this time last year, which is typical, and district expenses are on path with the projected amount determined last July.
The Rugby Early Learning Center is currently in the process of screening applicants for next year’s pre-school class. 33 kids have applied. 34 students have signed up for Kindergarten at Ely for next year.
Other Actions:
– Ely Elementary will be having improvements made to building bathrooms.
– Beau Eriksson and Travis Risovi will be co-head coaches for next RHS football season, after the retirement of Scott Grochow.
– Approximately 15 students received scholarships from Dollars for Scholars.
– NDSU will be conducting a study on RHS Juniors and Seniors, comparing students in the agriculture program versus other extracurricular activities.
– Senior Banquet will be held Wednesday, May 17.
– Graduation will be held May 28 at 2 p.m.