Durand School Board approves meeting list

In a regular meeting held June 24, the Durand Board of Education approved Center Point Energy for its natural gas provider.
The consent agenda, including the agenda, minutes of the May 20 regular meeting, vouchers, and the treasurer’s report, was approved.
Superintendent Greg Doverspike reported on the annual transfer of funds to close out the 2014-15 fiscal year.
Doverspike reported enough reductions have been identified to meet the board goals for the preliminary 2015-16 budget. A defecit of just under $12,000 is currently projected. Staff changes and a utility reduction have not yet been factored in. A balanced budget is expected to be presented in October.
A list of 2015-16 school board meetings was presented. The September, January, and June meetings were suggested to be moved to the fourth Wednesday of the month due to different conflicts. The Board approved.
Doverspike reported Center Point Energy was the low bidder during the request for proposals process for purchasing natural gas. The price has not yet been locked in, as MEP feels the price will drop more. Currently, the District could experience a savings of at least $10,000 on the high school based on current pricing and past usage.
The Board was presented with the latest drawings for the project at Caddie Woodlawn Elementary School. Bid Package 1, including structural steel and precast concrete walls were presented. Doverspike said the lead time is extensive, so in order to start construction on time the materials needed to be ordered. An updated construction schedule and plans were also presented. The Board approved.
Doverspike reported Mike Retzloff has been working on getting Animal Science to count as a science credit for a number of years, and the District receieved notice from the Department of Public Instruction that the course has met requirements and may be counted as a science credit.
Doverspike reported Brian Evans submitted his resignation as middle/senior high school science teacher. Carrie Anderson and Karen Nimmo both submitted resignations as paraprofessionals. The Board approved the resignations.
Doverspike also reported Ella Shaw submitted a letter for retirement. The Board approved.
Kellen Doerr was approved as the new middle/senior high school science teacher.
Interviews for the English teacher position were being conducted June 25, and a name for the vacancy will be presented at the July meeting.
Doverspike reported there is a professional development opportunity for the board at CESA 11th June 25th.
Doverspike also reported that he and Michelle attended ALICE training on June 16 and 17, along with four staff members and Durand Police Chief Stan Ridgeway. ALICE is a new concept in dealing with school lockdown procedures by providing students and staff options. Earlier this year, Bill, Erika, and a couple of teachers from their buildings were trained. The plan is to provide some training to the entire staff in the fall.
Doverspike presented a letter from DPI stating the District received a QZAB loan in the amount of $1.508 million. Only four schools in the state received a QZAB loan this year. Durand received $100,000 less than requested. Doverspike said the loan is a great opportunity for the district, and will provide savings to the tax payers. The loan is interest free. The financing plan will be updated and presented in September.
The next meeting will be held July 15 at 6 p.m.