School board chooses architect for gym, makes plans to build bus storage

Monday, May 10, the New Rockford-Sheyenne School Board met, and building projects were the topic of conversation.

The second gym project is moving forward. The next steps have been taken to start negotiations with an architectural firm. The building committee interviewed six architectural firms, finding one that met all the district’s needs. The Grand Forks firm they chose to start negotiations with is well versed in fundraising, social media campaigning, searching for a location to build the gym, as well as all the architectural details needed to help make this dream a reality.

The building committee met on April 27 to prioritize projects. Vehicle storage is a top priority. The Rocket Bus is currently without a home, and now NR-S is the proud owner of two short buses. Adding the Yukon, there is an extreme need for a bus barn. The school district intends to use district-owned property near the school building to construct a 60-by-100 foot structure. The details regarding the structure are yet to be determined by the building committee.

The building committee also discussed the worn carpets in the school, some roof repairs that are needed, and the sidewalk by the front door.

A scope of work agreement has been established with Prairie Engineering to assist with the assessment of the school’s boiler system. The firm will identify whether the system can be repaired or if replacement is the only option.

Dave Skogen is settling nicely into his new business manager position. Dave’s efforts were shown with his very detailed preliminary budget for the 2021-2022 school year. The board will take the next few months finalizing the budget. If you are interested in all the details, you can find the preliminary budget at https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Qxymya1HVXwG9z8BD5o35GxRecbHyjl/view

This month, the teacher’s report was presented by Phy. Ed teacher/coach, Cherry Heinz. NR-S Phy. Ed department hosted a student teacher, Jenny Martins from NDSU, this past semester. This was a great experience and the Phy. Ed department recommends ANY department who is given this opportunity, to take it. NR-S track is up and running at full speed. Two weeks are remaining in the regular season. NR-S baseball and NR-S golf are flying through their games. The music department is performing their spring concerts. Everyone is just very happy to be doing so much, as things are finally getting back to normal. Field Day is in the works for May 18 and 19, with fan favorite kick-ball on the docket for the older elementary and field games for the younger students.

Elementary and High School Principals reported all students have completed the North Dakota State Assessment testing. Mr. Baumbach and Mrs. Becker attended an Office of Civil Rights (OCR) training in Bismarck on April 27. The week of May 17, the last round of STAR testing will be taking place for all students in kindergarten through 10th grade. Both principals and all teachers are busy working on their curriculum orders for the 2021-2022 school year. Teachers are getting all of their end-of-the-year forms completed, as well as future supply lists and curriculum needs, so they are ready to start in the fall.

Two fun-filled weeks of school are remaining, and they are packed full of excitement. Don’t miss the Junior/Senior High Spring Music Concert at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18. Field day for the elementary school will be 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday, May 20, is the staff recognition ceremony. Paraprofessional Deb Stafford will be honored for her 42 years of service. The regional baseball tournament is set for May 24-26 in Tolna. Graduation practice and the senior barbecue will be Thursday, May 27, along with state track. Friday, May 28, the elementary school will end their 2020-2021 school year with an awards ceremony at 2:45 p.m. in the school gym. Finally, graduation will be held on Sunday, May 30 at 2:00 p.m.

Superintendent Jill Louters has been planning the budget for the 2021-2022 school year. Some time was taken this past month to explore different locations to house Pre-K, as the district’s enrollment is increasing every year. Louters projects that 40 children will enroll in pre-K for the 2021-2022 school year. She had multiple meetings with NRABC regarding the bowling alley concerning fundraising, NR-S involvement and coordination with the art department.

The board passed a motion to recognize the NR-S Education Association for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 teaching contract negotiations. Negotiations will begin within the next 30 days. The second reading of policies ACBA and ACBB were approved. Policy ACBA governs the use of AEDs. Policy ACBB clarifies terminology and roles regarding matters of confidentiality and public information, related to contagious diseases impacting the school.