NR-S approves bus barn plans

At their regular meeting on Monday, March 11, the New Rockford-Sheyenne School Board officially moved forward with plans for a new bus barn, and have begun soliciting bids.

The decision came after a recommendation to do so from the district’s transportation committee, who met in February to nail down what the structure will look like, and where it should be located.

Committee members had determined a smaller structure with just two garage doors would be cost effective and practical for the district, and could easily be added on to should the need arise.

Therefore, the structure will be smaller than previously considered, with 72-by-60 foot dimensions. The bus barn will have “D-Rib steel” for its exterior walls and roof, as well as two insulated overhead doors approximately 28-by-14 foot.

The facility will be located in the empty lot immediately south of the school, across the street on Central Avenue.

The full notice for a request for bids from the NR-S district can be seen on page 13 of this edition of the Transcript.

Also at the board’s regular meeting on Monday, Avolt Baumbach, who’s been part of administration at NR-S for the past 10 years, submitted his resignation as the school’s high school principal.

The school board approved Baumbach’s resignation unanimously during the regular meeting, and then they re-hired him almost immediately afterwards.

That’s because, despite his resignation, Baumbach has no intention of leaving the district. Instead of being the high school principal, however, he will transition to a full-time teaching position at the district next year.

“After a decade of serving in this role, it is with mixed emotions that I take this step,” wrote Baumbach in his resignation letter.

“While I am stepping down from the principal role, I am eager to express my continued commitment to the district. I am open to exploring opportunities to contribute in a teaching capacity or any other role that aligns with the district’s needs. My dedication to the success of New Rockford-Sheyenne Schools remains steadfast.”

Shortly after accepting his resignation, the school hired Baumbach as a full-time teacher.

Throughout the current school year, Baumbach has already been teaching social studies for the school in addition to other administrative responsibilities – an arrangement he agreed to as the school attempted to cover multiple open teacher positions last year.

Though he’s not leaving the district, Baumbach’s departure from his principal role marks the second significant change in NR-S administration in a week, after Superintendent Louters also submitted her resignation.

Regarding his time as principal, Baumbach wrote in his resignation letter that he’s particularly proud of his involvement in the establishment of the MTSS Reading Program, as well as the various efforts made to enhance academic achievements and growth among students and staff.

“Reflecting on my time as principal, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the dedicated staff and exceptional students of New Rockford-Sheyenne. It has been a privilege to contribute to the growth and development of the school community,” wrote Baumbach.

“I want to express my gratitude to the entire school community for the support and collaboration over the past 10 years,” he added. “It has been an enriching experience, and I am confident that the school will continue to thrive under capable leadership.”

Afterwards, the school also hired two more teachers to the district, both of whom are familiar with NR-S.

Kent Brown, the district’s longtime math teacher and technology director who retired last year, is coming back.

The school board hired Brown to a full-time position beginning next school year. They also hired Cassie Johnson, the special education teacher currently working with East Central at NR-S.

Beginning next school year, Johnson will be an elementary teacher for the district.

Also at the school board’s meeting on Monday, the board carried a motion to advertise a request for bids to replace the roof above the school’s elementary wing.

The project will involve removing old shingles and installing steel roofing, as well as the necessary trims such as a gutter apron and snow guards.

The school board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 8 at 7 p.m.