BLAIRSBURG — Northeast Hamilton Elementary School has earned an “Exceptional” rating in the report of the Every Student Succeeds Act released on Tuesday by the Iowa Department of Education.

NEH Superintendent/Principal Mike Kruger announced the ranking at the regular meeting of the NEH School Board Thursday night.

In the report, NEH earned an overall performance rating of 66.67 compared to the state Iowa school average of 54.91.  Schools are evaluated on participation, proficiency, achievement and growth in both reading and math.  In each of those categories, NEH scored at or above the recommended state performance goal.

“We understand that this is a snapshot of school performance, and that it does not tell the entire story about performance of students in our school,” said Kruger.  “We as a staff are constantly working towards improvement and are always trying to get better. We are certainly pleased with the exceptional rating, but we know there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.”

NEH School Board President Eric Patterson reported on the Webster City/NEH interim school board meeting held earlier this month in Webster City. The interim board named Mike Kruger associate superintendent of Webster City Public Schools and principal at NEH. Dr. Mandy Ross will serve as superintendent at Webster City, NEH and Stratford.

The interim board noted that looking forward to the 2020 Census, the Webster City CSD may have to re-align director district boundaries, said Patterson. 

Patterson also reported that lunch prices will increase in Webster City to $2.85. There will be no change in lunch prices at NEH since that is the price currently charged.

Kruger pointed out that as the interim board is assuming more of the duties of the reorganized school district, there is less business on the NEH agenda.

Kruger reported that the transportation report shows added repair and cleaning work done to vehicles this spring due to the road conditions.

Kruger reported on the Emergency Operations Plan headed by Courtney Hippen. Each school’s Crisis Team has developed its own plan and has worked in collaboration with local law enforcement and first responders. The NEH plan identified who would be the site commander during a crisis, said Kruger. It also established EMS response times among fire, rescue and law enforcement agencies in Williams, Blairsburg, Jewell and Kamrar.  The most likely crisis threats are inclement weather or fire, said Kruger.  Other identified potential sources of threat include an intruder in the school, emergencies on Interstate 35 or a situation on the train tracks in Blairsburg. The NEH plan for the Blairsburg site will be on the WC/NEH interim school board agenda in June and if approved, the roll-out of the plan would take place in August, said Kruger.

Regarding personnel, school guidance counselor Alison Friesleben has submitted her resignation.  Interviews for the part-time position are underway, said Kruger.  In addition, the school is fielding applicants for the Physical Education instructor and the School Librarian.

In a facilities update, Kruger reported that work on the air conditioning system is complete and the chicken coop for NEH Farms has arrived. Workers from Tibben Woodwork began to assemble the coop last Friday.

In recognition of School Board Member Appreciation Month, board members were given certificates and treated to candy and dessert.

“There have been some tough decisions over the years and we appreciate all you’re doing and your support this year and over the past five years,” said Kruger.

“That goes your way, too,” said Director Marlin Pruismann, who applauded Kruger’s work on steering the district through difficult financial challenges due to declining enrollment and the reduction of state funding.  “We have landed on our feet as well as to be expected.”

Kruger said that the rapid declining enrollment forced the district to move swiftly in order to keep the building open. The reorganization will allow the NEH site to remain open and Kruger believes that is due in part to the foresight and innovative thinking of the board. He was referring to the establishment of a day care center in the vacant high school rooms.

“I believe there is a correlation between the numbers in our Kindergarten classes and preschool (to the numbers) in our day care,” said Kruger, who also applauded the NEH staff. “When you get the right staff, they do a great job.”

Kruger announced the schedule for the last day of school on Friday, May 31. The day will begin with the traditional Field Day on Trojan Field at 8:30 a.m. At 2:10 p.m., the graduating sixth grade class will parade through the school with pictures to follow at 2:15 p.m. The sixth grade graduation ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m.

If inclement weather is forecast for Friday, all of the day’s activities will be changed to Thursday, said Kruger.

Pre-school graduation was held on Friday, May 24 in the gym.

The last meeting of the NEH School Board will be held on June 27 at 6 p.m.