Aug. 2010 School Board Meeting

“Board approves purchase of new Special Ed Bus”

Submitted by Citizen Journalist Rick A. Talford


Elmwood, WI- The Elmwood School District held their Board Meeting Monday Evening, and discussed a variety of changes coming. The longest discussion took place over the purchase of a new mini bus. The bus has been looked into for some time now, and they have found a couple different options for purchasing a new bus for a cost of near $54,000.00. The bus will be equipped to handle wheel chair riders. The board has a couple options also in how to purchase the bus, with having different funds available to them. The current bus did pass inspection this past week, but has been costing the district in the up keep costs. It was also stated that a trade in value was pretty low, at $1,500.00. The Board then discussed the idea of keeping the bus, and selling it on their own. This would seem to have a better potential to get much more out of the bus.

In the Administrative Report, Mr. Blanford (The New Superintendent) informed the board of a variety of information including a WIAA report on the adopted new season format for Football. The WFBCA has already filed a challenge against this new format, with their concerns. He also told the board that the position for the Boy’s Basketball coach for Middle School is still open. The position for the Middle School Girl’s Volleyball Coach is being filled by Brittany Thompson, a former player for Elmwood. Bev Glaus will also be around to assist Brittany in getting the team up and going. The Fall Athletics have a good number of Students participating with the Football team having 38 students, Volleyball has 17, and the Cross Country team has 7 to start out. In Academics, there will be a staff in-service for Aug. 27th, 30th, and 31st. Mr. Blanford then explained some changes done to the facilities, making them look great. The asbestos has been removed from the High School areas. The old garage has been removed from the HS parking lot. Several blacktop areas have been resurfaced. The Elementary computer lab has been reconfigured. The Elementary playground has received new border and additional woodchip for safety. The weight room received new rubberized floor matting. The gym floors were stripped and resealed, as well as the elementary floors. Blanford then went into the school finances info. He attended a two day WASBO workshop. Covering all aspects of the school finances, including budget development. He was able to network with other school business officials and superintendents, as well as the DPI finance team members. There will be a Annual meeting scheduled for Monday, September 27th. As of right now, the position for MS/HS Principal and Athletic Director currently has 52 applicants to go through the interview process. Finishing up the Administrative report, Blanford explained new timelines being given for records retention. He also told the board to be aware of Social Networking that may lead to Open Records Laws getting involved. “It is important to remember that you are school officials, and what you communicate may become public information if it deals with school business” explained Blanford. There will also be a WASB Fall Regional Meeting held in Menomonie on October 12th, at the Stout Field House beginning with a Dinner at 6:30pm.

Action items included the purchase of the new Special Ed bus, and the Approval of Middle School Volleyball Coach. The Information items included the District Policy Update for the Automated Account System for school meals. There will be a notice mailed out a week prior to school starting, as well as a notice in the Bi-monthly newsletter. The meal allowance was also reviewed and will need pre-approval from the superintendent before those figures are locked in. This may vary for the different functions the students are involved in. Blanford then added that they will need to complete the Bullying Policy, and the WASB has a sample policy to get them started. “We must collaborate with the local EMT’s and Police to better create a safety crisis plan. This must also include the local citizens” Said Blanford. The 2010-2011 Preliminary Budget Projections will also be looked into, but as of now it is believed the numbers will be very close to the same. The exception will be a $200 per pupil increase in received funds. The Building and Grounds information was already reviewed, with Blanford providing one last bit of information in regards to the Health Insurance. During a sit down with the Representative, it was stated there will be a 15% increase , and the deductible will change from $3,000.00 to $3,750.00. A few medications will also be dropped, due to the changing of the medications to over the counter status now.

The Board then went into closed session to discuss Professional/Support Staff Contracts, and the Non-Union Contracts.