NEWELL–During the recent Newell School Board meeting held August 11, the first reading of several policies was discussed. Essentially, the policies gained more clarification and came in line with state codified laws.
Policy BDDH involves the public participation in school board meetings. There must be a sign-up sheet for participants to be able to speak during Open Forum. This is part of the State’s Open Forum policy.
Policy BD concerns the School Board meetings and must be reviewed annually. Again, it is part of the Open Forum Policy.
The third policy reading was IGBA and concerned Special Education and Related Services. The policy was recommended by the Associated School Board Association.
There was a minor change to the student transportation policy, EEA. The wording was changed from bus to transportation to entail all forms.
These policies are available on the school’s website.
Bids were opened for the 2025-2026 school year for gas, diesel, and propane. Olson Fuels, Buffalo, was the only company that submitted bids for the products. Gas was bid at a price that is 10 cents under the posted price, with diesel also 10 cents under market price. Propane was bid at $1.25.
There were no beef bids submitted, however, at this time Wall Meats is the closest processor approved for school beef.
Several teaching and support staff positions were approved. Dominic Santiago, Activities Director, was approved as an official signer of the Trust & Agency Checking Account. The resignation of Sunny Pesicka, Kindergarten teacher, was accepted. Steven Simpson, MS teacher and Pam Riesland, Kindergarten teacher were approved at $49,100 and $48,700 respectively. Amanda Shirley was approved for MS and HS student councils as well as Yearbook. Rhonda Miller was approved as part-time kitchen assistant. The Technology Handbook was approved with no changes from last year.
The “Black Hills Pioneer” was named as official newspaper due to the closing of the Belle Fourche Beacon. Business Manager Amy Williams approached the school board members to authorize her to open and maintain a Business Money Market account at First National Bank in Newell for the purpose of investing fund balances. She informed the members that the process could gain interest on the account and that she would be able to withdraw funds as needed to use.
After a lengthy discussion by members, it was decided to table the issue until the next month’s meeting. They were hesitant because of the ambiguity of the name of the fund “Money Market” and were not sure of the process of establishing funding. It is against the law for public funds such as used by the school districts to be invested in funding that can fluctuate with the market, in other words be put at risk.
Williams said that she understood from bank personnel that was not the case, it was a safe investment. However, she will research further the matter further.
The next school board meeting will be September 8, 6 pm.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
