NEH looks ahead to new year
By Billie Shelton Daily Freeman-Journal WriterBLAIRSBURG - Northeast Hamilton school board members tended to details for the beginning of the 2008-09 school year when they met recently, including setting fees and breakfast and lunch prices.
Student fees were increased $5, to $30 at elementary, $35 at middle school, and $40 for high school students. Due to increasing food prices, the board also voted to bump up student lunch prices 15 cents per meal, adult lunch prices 20 cents per meal, and breakfast prices 10 cents per meal. Milk prices will go up 5 cents per carton.
All breakfasts are now $1.20, while adult lunch price will be $2.85, high school and middle school $2.10, and elementary $1.95. Milk will go to 30 cents per carton.
Pending the results of required background checks, the board approved contracts for Carmen Koch, Title I Reading; Virginia Hoelscher, middle school/high school English; Sherry Leksell, middle school/high school English; Michelle Dyvig, fall and winter cheerleading; James Koop, assistant football; Brennan O'Connor, head high school boys track; Wendell Jacobson, half-time night custodian;
and Patricia Jacobson, half-time night custodian.
Resignations were accepted Mark Rusch, high school English, assistant football and head boys track; Jeff Hatcher, middle scool English and junior high girls track; and Elise Timm, night custodian.
In another personnel matter, increasing the school nurse's hours were reviewed and discussed, but no action was taken.
Another item on Monday's agenda was reviewing the estimated impact of the SILO Repeal/State Penny Swap Legislation, which will have an impact on funding for the building project at NEH. Estimates from the Iowa Association of School Boards indicate starting in 2013 the statewide penny is projected to generate more funds than the building project's yearly principal and interest payment.
The implementation of Second Chance Reading was approved. The program is directed toward secondary students with reading deficits who otherwise would struggle with the demands of the secondary curriculum. The research-based program has proved successful with struggling readers.
Also on Tuesday, the approved a resolution adopting a transition plan so school board members will be elected in odd-numbered years only. The annual election is September 9, with the first day to file papers with school board secretary Janet Greufe August 1. The
seat for Director District #1, now held by Kathy Pruismann, and for Director District #2, by Jan Heiden are both up for election.
Other business at the lengthy meeting included:
* Accepting a defibrillator donated by the Hamilton Hospital Foundation and a donation of $113 from Lifetouch to be used for Character Counts activities.
* Discussing a letter of support for the city of Williams to abate delinquent taxes, penalties, and upcoming year's taxes to acquire lots in Williams.
* Distributing and reviewing current handbooks.
