NEWELL-Contracts were approved at the Newell School Board meeting held August 12. These contracts aid in the readiness for the new school year. Contracts for Paul Clark at $65,000, Christopher Grube at $51,200, Crystal Pickles at $15.50 per hour, Marlee Sais at $15.50 per hour, Kim Hamilton at $15.50 per hour and Deb Kopetsky at $15.50 per hour were all approved by the School Board members. Coaching contracts for Verl Tifft, MS Head Football at $1603.13, Tristan Clements, MS Assistant Football at $1052.66, Gail Ginsbach, MS Assistant Volleyball coach at $1052.66, and Anna Erk, Assistant Cross-Country coach at $2,180. Jennifer Severson was hired as assistant cook at $15.50 per hour
Most positions have been filled since the school board meeting, however there have been changes. Christopher Grube has changed his position and left an empty spot. Marlee Sais has moved from Assistant Cook to SPED para. This leaves an opening for another assistant cook that may be filled soon. Laura Fox resigned her position as para, but will continue to drive bus.
Sherry Hocking, Newell Ambulance Director, spoke to the school board members with her concerns for the aging AEDs found at the school. It is estimated that the AEDs may be from 2007 and need replaced as soon as possible. As part of a grant that Hocking had received, she must map all the AEDs in the area, this is when she found that the AEDs in the school were not functioning. She explained that the law doesn’t require schools to have the AEDs but they must be placed wherever large crowds gather.
New machines could cost $3,100 for two or refurbished for $1,300 to $1,800. Hocking encouraged the board to replace the aging AEDs.
During Public Comments, Judy Heisler raised the question about a printed calendar and the necessity of having one for people who don’t have accessed to Wi-Fi or Internet services. She said that it was important that everyone had the ability to see when games and programs are held.
She pointed out that many of the older people of the community attend the games and bring money into the school.
Bids were opened for fuel, propane, and beef processing. Olson Fuels had the lowest bid at $3.339 for #2 diesel and $3.659 for unleaded. Olson Propane put in a bid of $1.08 for propane. Wall Meats is the only processor in the area that is able to process meat for school use.
Open enrollment was approved for three students. Special Student status was approved for a student who desires to graduate a year early.
First readings were done for the policy for the procedures for Staff Complaints and Grievances, the policy for the Use of Artificial Intelligence Technology, policy for DJ Purchasing Procedures, and the first reading of the DJC Policy Bidding Requirements.
The contract with Therapeutic Solutions LLC was approved for Early Childhood Special Education. The cost is set at $100 per hour and $150 per road trip. Therapeutic Solutions LLC in part will set up evaluations, set goals, assist with students, and assist teachers.
Teachers and administrators said they were looking forward to beginning the new year. With many new faces and a facelift for several of the rooms, the school seems to have a fresh new start. As principal Paul Clark puts it, “I am ready to go!”
The next school board meeting will be Monday, September 9 at 6 p.m. in the WIT Coalition Room.
