Weather slows progress on NEH building project
By BILLIE SHELTON Daily Freeman-Journal WriterBLAIRSBURG - After discussing the 10 percent across-the-board cut made by Gov. Culver and the impact it will have on the budget, school board members at Northeast Hamilton heard the latest update on construction of the new elementary wing when they held their October meeting Thursday evening.
Although rain has slowed progress, block walls are going up, and stoops for entry doors have been poured. Casework has been placed in the office area. Carpet was scheduled to be laid late last week.
In other agenda items, the board looked at certified enrollment totals for the school year. There enrollment requests from two Webster City students were approved.
Personnel matters on Thursday's agenda included the resignation of Beth Buxton from the part-time special education associate position. Stephanie Mayo will begin a 45-day trial period as a full-time special education associate. A contract was approved for Bret Schutt to be assistant girls' basketball coach and John Seiser to coach junior high boys' basketball. Coaching positions that still need to be filled are junior high girls basketball and junior high boys track.
The board also approved salary lane changes for four teachers.
Options for snow removal were discussed, and the bid of $2,250 for a John Deere snow blower from Woolstock Equipment was accepted. A bid from Joe Bosch for snow removal was not accepted.
A donation from the Dows Farmers Co-op for the Spirit Club was accepted, along with a donation from the Hamilton County Fair to football donations for parking cars at the fair.
Also on Thursday, the board approved the list of Early Bird and Post-Secondary Enrollment Option classes submitted. There are 20 different classes involving 38 students.
There was a long list of good news items that the board shared Thursday, including that the number of students being served in the Success Program went down due to improved grades. Also, seven students have signed up to try out for the ISU Honor Choir. FCS Club has 36 members this year and will be providing babysitting services for the concerts. The FFA Chapter just completed a "Buckle up or Eat Glass" campaign on September 25. In 90 percent of the vehicles stopped, operator and passengers were using seat belts. The chapter earned $150 for its efforts.
In other business, the board selected Bret Schutt as chief negotiator and Kim Schaa to serve as the board negotiating team. Dave Mayo will observe. Family passes for winter activities will be available for $125.
The dates of parent-teacher conferences are set for Tuesday, November 3, and Thursday, November 5.
The Iowa Association of School Board meeting has been changed to November 19 only at Hy-Vee Hall. NEH board members will not be attending the convention due to budget constraints.
The board was informed new basketball/volleyball scoreboards have been ordered.
Contact Billie Shelton at editor@freemanjournal.net or call 832-4350.
