Heinz resigns, Rinde to retire

At the regular school board meeting on Feb. 14, New Rockford-Sheyenne Business Manager Dave Skogen presented preliminary budget information to board members, which predicted expenditures in excess of $4.6 million for the 2022-23 school year.

Skogen’s presentation broke down the majority of projected NR-S costs for the coming year. Only about 9 percent of those expenses, according to Skogen, are up to the board’s discretion. The other 91 percent are necessary costs such as payroll, utilities and transportation.

The total budget expense for 2022-23 is predicted to be $4,660,574, an increase of $25,940 over the previous year. Expenditures not figured into the predicted price tag include the potential purchase of new football jerseys and a new Suburban for district transportation.

Skogen also informed board members that the school’s revenue is expected to increase thanks to COVID grants, increased student enrollment, and a food service program that has “grown substantially” thanks to free school lunches provided through the USDA school lunch program.

All totaled, Skogen believes NR-S is in a good position compared to years’ past.

“When we compare revenue to expense, we are sitting in a much better position than last year,” said Skogen. “I really prefer not to dive into numbers, because if we have any change in our foundation aid, that disappears pretty quick ... but we do have some flexibility to present some options for different things.”

Skogen added that a complete presentation of the budget will be ready by March.

The board approved the retirement of Patricia Rinde and the resignation of Cherry Heinz.

In her letter of resignation, Heinz wrote, in part, “I will always be thankful for the opportunity to work with the NR-S students, staff and athletes and have enjoyed teaching and coaching immensely. I have put much thought into this decision and know that I will miss working at NR-S, but I am looking forward to a new position at North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation.”

Heinz had been a physical education teacher and head coach of the NR-S Cross Country and Track and Field team for six years. Patricia Rinde, meanwhile, retired from her business education teaching position and Future Business Leaders of America advising position at NR-S.

Rinde wrote, in part, “I have enjoyed getting to know the students and find it especially fitting that I will retire as the class I have co-advised since 7th grade will graduate this Spring. I hope they leave with a strong foundation in business skills ... and knowing that I truly care about them.”

Board members also heard an interesting student report from high school senior Amzi Meier.

Meier began by telling the board he’d created a survey for his peers to fill out, in the hopes of presenting students’ concerns to the board. His survey yielded mixed results, however, as many responses were too vague. Meier plans to create a more formatted survey to resolve the issue.

The responses he did get were shared with the board.

“There were a couple things I wanted to mention, and these are straight from the mouths of these kids,” began Meier. “One thing was hats, and I know the hat topic is talked about a lot, but they brought up some interesting points, and they wanted me to ask you guys why we can only wear hats on Fridays.”

The question didn’t prompt much of a response from the board, and the room seemed to struggle finding a reason for the rule’s continued existence. Board member Alyson Myhre called the rule “kind of archaic,” and Meier described it as a “cultural issue” no longer relevant in today’s world.

Principal Avolt Baumbach chimed in to say the policy describes the reasoning for the rule’s existence as being a matter of respect and creating an educational environment.

“It’s never been a distraction to me and I doubt it would be a distraction to anyone else,” said Meier. “... It used to be that whenever you went inside it was respectful to take your hat off, and now I feel like it’s just not as big of a deal anymore.”

Superintendent Louters suggested that Meier get the matter on the school board’s official agenda, so that a full discussion of the matter can be held. Board member Todd Allmaras then expressed his appreciation for Meier’s work getting the student body more engaged.

“I just want to thank you for your interest in doing this,” Allmaras told Meier. “I don’t think it’s a common thing to have a student that is as interested in doing this and bringing these issues forth, and I think it’s something that’s honorable. Keep up the good work.”

Other business conducted by the board included approving the academic calendar for the coming school year.

Before adjourning, the board scheduled this summer’s school board elections for June 7. Alyson Myhre and Mike Jacobson are the two board members whose seats are up for election.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 14 at 7 p.m.