Girls' softball co-op with CHS approved

On Monday, Oct. 9, the New Rockford-Sheyenne School Board approved a co-op agreement with the Carrington School District for softball.

The topic of softball has been broached before by the NR-S school board, but adding a softball program of their own was not approved for multiple reasons, expense being a primary concern.

However, there are still students at NR-S who would like to compete in softball.

According to the summary of proposed action provided to each board member, “A sign-up process was utilized in the main office to discern student interest, of which there were two individuals.”

Therefore, the co-op agreement before the board members is similar to other agreements that allow a handful of students to compete in sports that NR-S doesn’t have, such as wrestling and hockey.

The agreement discussed on Monday was not similar to the one between NR-S and Maddock Public School for football.

NR-S would not have any financial implications, and the Carrington Cardinals softball team would not have to change their name as a result of the agreement – the only change they can expect are a couple more additions to the roster.

The summary of proposed action states, “Any procedures or expenses related to program, equipment, transportation provision, etc. would be provided by the parents/guardians of students choosing to participate in this program.”

The athletic directors of both schools – Elliott Belquist for NR-S and Karla Michaelson for CPS – support the co-op agreement, and NR-S board voted unanimously in favor on Tuesday. The agreement must now be signed by the North Dakota High School Activities Association.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, it was revealed that NR-S has been awarded the N.D. Department of Public Instruction’s “Be Legendary School Board Leadership Institute Grant.”

The grant will provide professional development for board members in several core areas including identifying processes to monitor goals and measures, structuring for success, identifying guardrails and developing teamwork and advocacy.

The grant will cover 50 percent of costs for the training session, which lasts two days. In order to receive the grant funding, the training must be scheduled by Oct. 31 of this year, and must take place not later than August 31, 2024.

The total cost of the training is $8,700, but the school district will only pay half, or $4,350, thanks to the grant.

Before adjourning, board members also approved a contracted transportation agreement with Shane Wallace, who will use his own bus to transport students.

A copy of the contract along with the summary of proposed action is available on the school's website by going to the menu, clicking on “school board,” and selecting the most recent agenda.

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.