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NEH board reviews initial budget draft

Education association presents contract proposal with 2.38 percent total increase

BLAIRSBURG – The Northeast Hamilton school board Thursday night reviewed the initial 2017-2018 budget, received the initial proposal from the NEH Education Association and approved $500,000 for summer work projects.

With Superintendent Mike Sherwood absent from the meeting, Principal Mike Kruger introduced the initial FY2018 budget proposal. In the proposal, the property tax rate would be 10.48 per $1,000 valuation with an eight percent surtax.

In preparing the budget, NEH board member Bruce Mark asked the

administration to calculate a lower surtax for consideration. In theory, this figure would keep the property tax levy steady around the current 10.73 percent valuation, he explained.

The board also approved of a Budget Guarantee Resolution for 2017-2018. The passage is a formality. If NEH later needs to make a budget adjustment, it would already have a resolution in place.

The board set a public hearing for the proposed budget for March 23 at 6 p.m.

Kim Schimp, Chief Negotiator for the NEH Education Association, presented its initial proposal to the board. The proposal included

advancing the salary schedule for two years, increasing the Generator Base by $300 to $27,850 for the 2017-2018 school year and increasing the insurance by 4.70 percent. In total, it would be a 2.38 percent total package increase. Also, for the 2018-2019 contract, the Generator Base would increase by $250 to $28,100 and cover the insurance increase.

The board took the matter under advisement and has 14 days in which to act on the proposal.

The board approved $500,000 for summer projects. Included in those projects are building a 300 meter walking track around the current playground, installation of additional swings, the demolition of the high school track, a driveway for the bus barn, window and door replacement for the two story building, a greenhouse, tuck pointing and caulking for building brickfacing and carpet for the Fifth/Sixth grade classroom.

The board approved $75,000 for the early pay down of the 2009 elementary school bonds. By paying down the bonds early, the board will have saved the district more than $1.6 million in interest over the length of the term, noted Kruger.

Due to the absence Sherwood, the board tabled the 600 Series Policy Review and postponed the financial work session which was

scheduled for after the regular meeting.

In reports, Kruger noted that 30 students are participating in the youth basketball clinic which is being held after school. Students in grades K-3 visited a Webster City senior living center for Valentine’s Day.

Fourteen students in grades 5-6 attended band practice at Webster City Middle School in preparation for a combined band concert to be held Tuesday,Feb. 21.

Kruger also reported that 4th-6th grade students recently attended the Iowa Energy game.

With February being Dental Hygiene Month, students are collecting toothbrushes and participating in events that include a visit from Jewell Family Dentistry and a toothbrush distribution by Delta Dental, reported Kruger.

Northeast Hamilton will participate in Reading Night and Title I Parent Night on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., announced Kruger.

Kruger also reported on the School Improvement Advisory Committee meeting on Feb. 14. Discussed at the meeting were topics including bullying/harassment, district funding streams and the budget, summer projects, open enrollment and Old Main.

School nurse Cindi Sweedler is currently working to update the school’s wellness policy, said Kruger.

Before adjournment, board member Marlin Pruismann, who serves on the NEH Foundation Board, asked that a clarification be added to the board Policy 500 series in regards to foundation scholarships. Any student who resides, moves into or open enrolls in the NEH district for six consecutive years is eligible to receive a NEH Foundation scholarship, clarified Pruismann.

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