— Daily Freeman-Journal file photo Students at Northeast Hamilton Elementary watch as the flags are raised in front of their school building on the first day of school. Last week, the NEH board authorized the final debt service payment on the 2010 elementary building.

BLAIRSBURG — The Northeast Hamilton School Board authorized the final debt service payment of $668,942 for the 2010 elementary school building at its regular meeting on Thursday.

“That’s a good feeling,” said NEH School Board President Eric Patterson, noting that by utilizing the rapid pay down for the project, the board saved district patrons $417,000.

Several agenda items dealt with NEH’s reorganization with Webster City CSD which will take place on July 1.

NEH Superintendent/Principal Mike Kruger reported that while he will serve as NEH principal once the reorganization takes place, divisions of Dr. Mandy Ross’s duties as Webster City superintendent are still being discussed.  Currently, Kruger serves as shared superintendent with Stratford CSD and NEH.

Additional reorganization items included: Teacher Leadership Compensation staff were hired; the business office staff assembled and distributed payroll packets to district staff which include documents for insurance and employment forms in addition to W4s to be filled out for state and federal taxes; coordination of food service programs is being conducted; and the reorganized district is seeking clarification on the term limits for interim school board members with two At-Large board members up for election in November 2019.

“A lot of stuff is being checked off the list,” said Patterson, who serves on the interim board.  “It’s getting closer”.

Giving the project update, Kruger reported that the AC system is now complete and all window shades have been installed.  In addition, he presented the final STEM/greenhouse bill to the Board.  Undertaken two years ago, the project was completed in October, said Kruger.  While the project total presented by Peterson Construction and K&H Construction was $80,000 and higher than the district anticipated, Kruger informed the Board that PPEL funds are available.

While all Board members voiced displeasure at the unexpected high cost, Board Director Tyler Burton reminded the Board that it is an investment in the future.

“This (STEM classroom/greenhouse) has opened up many opportunities not just for current classes, but for classes coming up,” said Burton. “It showcases our school and is not money thrown away”.

Regarding personnel, the Board accepted the resignations of Lanette Willems and Matt Vogt.

In his report, Kruger summarized April’s events which included the VIP/Maker Day and the Spirit Club’s magic show with the dinner presented by the Williams Lions Club.

Kruger announced upcoming events in May will include: the Spring Music Concert on May 7; the Sixth Grade Ag Day on May 8; a meeting of the Tabletop Crisis team on May 9; and a presentation by Darcy Swon of the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation who will speak to children and parents about the Kindergarten scholarship program on May 10.

Prior to Thursday’s regular meeting, the informal meeting of Stratford and Webster City was hosted at NEH and board members toured NEH Farms including the STEM classroom and greenhouse. The boards also discussed summer learning programs, PTA and Spirit Club activities and the status on day care programs in each school district.