NEWELL-The beginning of the regular Newell School Board meeting was unusual when a letter was read by Board Chair Tyrel Bonnet. The letter was addressed to the people of the Newell area and stated that in the spirit of transparency, the school board is taking steps for ongoing development of school board members. He went on to say that the development will ensure that members are equipped to make the best decisions possible. The school board members are committed to enhance dialect between board members, administration, staff members, and the community. According to the letter, these efforts will help the school board lead more effectively for the future success of the school.
K-8 Principal Paul Clark informed the board that the results of testing showed that students in grades 5-7 are above the state average. The students tested 26% above last year in English and 17% in Math which is well above the state average. Online classes in Algebra show the students 90% above last year, again better than the state average.
The Building and Grounds Committee reported that they had discussed a Security Grant and details on the flooding of the parking lot. It will be a summer project.
During the FFA presentation, Ag Instructor Cheyenne Geppert informed the board on the plans for a community garden. The plot will be near the old “chicken coop” and involve students studying soil, plant science, and food service. The garden will be 8’ x 30’ or 10’ x 30’. There is hope that community members will also become involved.
The decision to have criminal background checks reimbursed by the school was again put on hold as the board decided to table that decision.
Resignations were accepted for Michelle Stockert as elementary teacher, Tyrel Bonnet as JV Football Coach, Wyatt Vander Vorst as Head Football Coach, and Christine Rans as para. Garrett Winkler was hired as JV Track Coach for $2,245.40.
There will be no school election since there were only three qualifying petitions for the three open board seats. The next regular school board meeting will be April 14 at 6 p.m.
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