Malta Bend school board hears financial update, reorganizes (UPDATE 12:35 p.m. April 15)

At the Malta Bend school board meeting Wednesday, April 14, Superintendent Melissa Vesser gave an update on the district's financial situation.

She said spending continues to be monitored carefully, and it is possible that, by reorganizing the school's bonds, the district could save about $26,000.

"We know we're going to have a 2 percent withholding from the state this year," she said.

Vesser said that payments in the career ladder program were included in this fiscal year's budget, and teachers have already been performing the extra work. She suggested that the district revisit its financial situation at the end of the school year to see if it is still viable to fund the program, regardless of whether the state pays its share. Currently, the state senate is debating the issue.

As another cost-saving measure, the school has decided to operate with just one administrator, Vesser, in the upcoming school year. Current Principal Roger Feagan submitted his resignation to the board at its December 2009 meeting.

In written material, Feagan said high school attendance is at 92.11 percent and elementary school attendance is at 94.83 percent.

In action items, the board approved the 2010-2011 student handbook and the high school class schedule. The calendar for the upcoming school year was also approved, with school beginning Monday, Aug. 23, and ending Wednesday, May 25, including some make-up days.

The board also approved payment of an extra-duty stipend of $750 to cheerleading sponsor Amy Feagan.

"I think the cheerleading program was awesome this year," member Jackie Plattner said.

Another item on the agenda was the approval of a change in extended contracts for the 2010-2011 school year. These used to provide certain employees -- including the librarian, counselor and special education teacher -- with 20 extra paid days to be used before and after the school year for preparation work.

The board approved changing the extended contracts to cover just 10 days instead of 20.

Three bids were received for lawn mowing services at the school. The current contractor, Richard Pittman, submitted the low bid of $90 and was awarded the contract.

Before adjourning into executive session, board members Susan Jansen, Casey Klein and Scott Moore took the oath of office. They hold seats that were up for election on Tuesday, April 6, though no election was held because there were no challengers.

The board also chose to keep Art Madden as president, Mindy Rigby as vice president and Moore as treasurer.

Board member Doreena Forqueran was also present at the meeting.

The board will meet again Wednesday, May 12, at 7 p.m.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net