Durand School Board approves resolutions for referendum vote

In a regular meeting held August 20, the Durand Board of Education approved two resolutions to present referendum questions to voters in November.

The consent agenda, including the agenda, minutes from the July 16 regular meeting and August 5 and 13 special meetings, treasurer's report, and vouchers, was approved.

New staff members Julie Noel, Alison McDowell, and Mandy Foss introduced themselves to the Board.

One meeting attendee spoke in favor of the Arkansaw Elementary School remaining in tact for the Pepin County Fair's usage of the building. 

A meeting attendee asked the Board what kind of plan they had in place to keep students from wandering off the grounds, as there was an incident involving his son during the school year. Superintendent Greg Doverspike assured the parent they were reviewing the safety plan and taking steps to correct flaws.

Doverspike gave the Board a recap of the facilities study, committee, and survey process regarding the facilites in the District. The Board approved Initial Resolution Number I authorizing $17,550,000 general obligation bonds 7-0. 

Initial Resolution Number II authorizing $1,500,000 general obligation bonds also passed 7-0. The two resolutions will be presented to voters in November to enter a referendum for repairs, additions, and demolition in the district.

Resolution providing for a referendum election on the questions of the approval of initial resolutions authorizing the issuance of $19,050,000 general obligation bonds, was approved 7-0.

Doverspike requested a formal motion to thank and honor the time and effort of the community facilities committee. The Board made a motion to recognize the 15 members, and will issue members a season pass to DHS events.

Doverspike reported no changes to the 2014-15 goals were recommended. Building principals will present goals later in the fall.

Doverspike reminded the Board of the WASB fall workshop on October 1 in Eau Claire. He noted there is also a workshop on fnancial roles and responsibilities of school boards. 

Doverspike reported he and Principal Bill Clouse met with a representative from CVTC and discussed the academy program. Doverspike said CVTC was recently awarded a grant to be used in Pepin and Buffalo County to help train manufacturing workers. The grant will allow students to access online curriculum and instructors from CVTC. Doverspike said he is glad to partner with CVTC, and is glad they are willing to partner with the Durand School District.

Doverspike also reported the Durand Education Foundation is starting an ambassador program. Community members and alumni can pay $25 annually to become a member. Members get a yearly mailing and letter from the superintendent, as well as a ticket to the homecoming football game. Doverspike said the foundation was created with the purpose of providing financial assistance to the school district through donations to the foundation.

Doverspike reported every year, per state statute, administration must present a report to the BOE related to seclusions and restraints. There were none this year.

Clous reported Durand High School's were phenomenal, at 24.2. The state average is 22.2. In 2011, Clouse said Durand's average was 21.6. Clouse also said Durand's scores exceeded the state average in every area except biology/chemistry/physics, and said students are typically not yet in physics by the time the test is taken.

Doverspike said he gives a lot of credit to the staff, community, parents, and kids, saying the score is something to be proud of.

Next year, all juniors will take the ACT.

Elementary Principal Erika Johnson reported she is excited to have kids back at school.

Director of Pupil Services Randy Roinila acknowledged the school psychologist, Michelle, as she is trained to be a trainer, and having her on-site will be beneficial rather than having to send teachers to training.