July storm damage assessment is slow

Posted 9/19/01

July storm damage assessment is slow

By MaryHelen Swanson

The June 18 storm raced through Rush City much faster than estimates are coming in for repair of the damage sustained, but last week Superintendent Tim Eklund had a figure for roof replacement at the high school.
At the school board meeting Tuesday, Sept. 11, he quoted a cost of $1,371,000 to repair/replace as the same system.
He also had a quote of $25-$30,000 for repairs at the aquatic center. Eklund said there was no other roof damage on school buildings, with the exception of flashing. A representative from Pella Windows has not yet been out to look at the damage, he noted.
So, while the board would like to have some more concrete figures to deal with, the progress is slow, noted Eklund.
The board also adopted a resolution setting Nov. 6, noon - 8 p.m. as the date and time for the school board election. Two candidates filed for three positions: John Bosman, incumbent, and Gwen Goretsas.
The election will be held in the high school gym.
During the policy review segment, the board unanimously voted to keep pay rates the same for substitute teachers ($100/day) and bus drivers ($24/route). In addition, they agreed to keep custodial sub pay the same at $9/hour and catering rate the same at $12.50/hour.
New staff members were on hand for introductions and other staff members thanked the board for the pullover windbreakers each staff member received at the beginning of the year. In the past, the board has sponsored a breakfast for the teachers, the gift was in leu of that this year. Board member Bill Kieper said the gift was to give the staff ìa little boostî as school starts.
Reporting positive points from Jacobson Elementary, Principal Vern Koep acknowledged gifts of school supplies from Bauerly Bros. and a district family who wished to remain anonymous. These supplies are discretely passed out during the year to students who may have a need.
Also during this time, high school principal Mark Saari passed out updated Basic Standard Test results current to Sept. 7. The report shows:
9th grade - 82 percent have passed math, 92 percent reading;
10th grade - 89 percent passed math, 92 percent reading;
11th grade - 97 percent passed math, 97 percent reading, 93 percent writing;
12th grade - 95 percent passed math, 98 percent reading, 96 percent writing.
After reviewing the 2002 budget and giving it approval, the board moved to set the proposed levy at the maximum, upon recommendation of the districtís business manager. No actual figure was included with the motion; it was noted all information has not yet been received from the state.
Board members Paul Pasche and John Bosman indicated they like to see numbers before voting.
The maximum levy will be for all areas that the district still controls, the general education levy is no longer included as the state is picking up 100 percent for revenues 2002-2003.
Supt. Eklund stressed that the district will have to keep an eye on the levy as the numbers are certain to change and as the result of the proposed bond referendum.
ìThereís a lot of things to wait on,î he said.
The district is looking at a $7.3 million budget for 2002-2003.