Elk Mound school board tying up loose ends as final day of school approaches

By Cara L. Dempski

ELK MOUND — Elk Mound superintendent Eric Wright said the school board’s most recent meeting was a low-key affair focused mainly on end-of-the-year activities.

The board met May 15 at the high school after the 2017 teacher recognition banquet and discussed budget plans for the 2017-2018 school year before discussing updates on the 2016-2017 budget.

Wright indicated the assembled group talked about projected purchases during the 2017-2018 school year. The superintendent noted one of the district’s largest annual expenses is energy, which will be something the board and administrators will continue to keep an eye on.

Elk Mound’s head administrator also said he anticipates there will be approximately $20,000 from the current budget, which he anticipates shifting into the district’s fund balance.

After discussion the current and upcoming year’s budgets, the board moved on to approving the district’s incoming and outgoing open enrollment applications. Wright indicated there are currently 40 applications for students wishing to come into the district, while there are 33 applications going out.

All applications were approved, with the building and district administrators having final say on applications for students requiring special education services. Wright noted special education staff and building principals were still waiting on information and files regarding incoming special needs students to assess the district’s ability to assist them and, ultimately, fully accept their applications.

“Open enrollment has created a new dimension for districts all over the state,” Wright said of the enrollment process.

The board then moved on to consideration of policies regarding state competitions and purchasing. After members read the policy a second time, both were approved.

The group also adopted the first reading of policies for foster care rule, employment references and verification, school food service management and school meal account charges and collections. The board will read the policies a second time during its June meeting before voting on the suggests revisions.

In other open-session business, the board:

• Set its next meeting for June 19 at 7:00 p.m.

• Learned eighth grade graduation is set for June 1 at 7:00 p.m. and there will be an end-of-the-year picnic at Mound View Elementary June 2.

• Accepted the resignation of Stephanie Hay as the Mound View yearbook advisor.

The board then adjourned to closed session to discuss the hiring of several staff and the continuation of support staff assignments and employee salary advancements. Mike Kirby was approved for hire as a high school custodian, while Laura LaGesse was approved as the new Mound View yearbook advisor.

The board approved the continuation of support staff assignments and employee salary advancements as well.