At its Feb. 22 regular meeting, the Eden Valley-Watkins school board unanimously approved bringing a levy referendum to voters in a special election Tuesday, June 6. The maximum amount to be levied to taxpayers is $12 million. The ballot question will read:
?ÄúShall the board of Independent School District No. 463 (Eden Valley-Watkins), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,000,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities? By voting ?Äúyes?Äù on this ballot question, you are voting for a property tax increase.?Äù
The facilities task force has been working on this project for months, carefully studying all the facilities needs across the EV-W campuses, then prioritizing those needs. After cost estimates were obtained, the board approved these projects:
?Ä¢ $4,524,875 at the high school (handicap parking, 1927 building upgrades, and deferred maintenance work);
?Ä¢ $3,923,510 at Eden Valley Elementary (improve parking and drop-off areas, new sidewalk access to new secure front entry, building safety/security/accessibility, and deferred maintenance work);
?Ä¢ $991,770 at Watkins Elementary (secure front door, sprinklers, new sidewalk to secure entry, power upgrades, roof repairs, and HVAC work).
?Ä¢ $4,075,000 district-wide (new football field and track is $2.65 million, new concession stand/toilets/team room, parking/sidewalks and lighting, and storm drainage for the parking lot).
The board also approved spring coaching assignments: Jacob Anderson, JV softball; Dan Berg, assistant baseball; Lisa Brown, assistant girls?Äô track; Stephanie Borscheid, jr. high softball, Dave Dziengel, head softball; Tom Jansen, assistant softball; Heath Kramer, jr. high baseball; Jeremy Monson, jr. high baseball; Kit Pennie, head girls?Äô golf; Gordon Schlangen, co-head track; Corey Egan, JV baseball; Dave Schneider, JV baseball; Mike Tomsche, head baseball; and Adam Tri, Track. They also approved the hiring of Emily Doss as a chemistry/physics teacher for the 2017-18 year.
At its March 8 regular meeting, superintendent Mark Messman reported that the report on proposed construction has been completed and submitted to the Minnesota Department of Education for review. The board will host informational meetings in April and May; by then they should have more firm numbers on tax impact.
?ÄúOur kids are worth it,?Äù said Messman. ?ÄúWe?Äôre proud of our school system and students.?Äù
The board approved the required recommendations for reductions in programs and positions. This includes anticipated retirements, and adjustments to accommodate shifting class sizes.
Denise DeJulianie reported on the partnership with Best Buy for purchase of devices for students that will be compatible with the school?Äôs 5 GB network. The program is a five-year plan during which time each student may purchase one device at Best Buy and receive a $100 coupon for that purchase. Students will have three options for computer devices at school:
1. bring their own device that they already own,
2. family can purchase one through Best Buy, or
3. iPads are available at the school for student use.
Chromebooks ar ethe device of choice, and they are used primarily for junior high (grades 7-8). Chromebooks are always available, but they are not allowed to leave the building. Older iPads may be checked out for use outside of school.
The $100 voucher will be good only in August-September each year, and there is one per student during their entire EV-W career. They may be used to purchase a Chromebook or iPad, or for a MacBook that could also be used in college.
The district currently has five Chromebook carts at the high school and four at the elementary schools. Eventually, the district can save money by eliminating one of the more costly computer labs.
The plan is to implement the voucher system in the fall. There will be more information sent out to parents, as well as informational meetings, before then.
Additional coaches were approved: Caitlin Covert, jr. high softball, and Jason MOrtenson, co-head track.
The schools are busy this time of year preparing for testing, and doing registration for next year.
The next regular meeting of the EV-W school board will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12.