Posted: 4/21/04
By MaryHelen Swanson
For the first time since the state began giving Basic Skills Tests in writing, a Rush City High School student has received a score of 6, which is the highest score possible.
High school principal Mark Saari told the school board last week that this student was sophomore Molly Tomcyzk.
Saari was also proud of the entire sophomore class which surpassed the boardís goal with 95 percent of those taking the test receiving a passing score. Only four of the sophomores did not receive a passing score.
Saari noted that, as promised, the students will receive a reward of a movie at the North Branch Cinema.
Saari also noted that the districtís 8th-grade students excelled in the math and reading basic skills tests this year, surpassing scores from last year.
He said their scores were some of the highest in area schools.
Board member Paul Pasche said the district should find a way to commend the staff for helping the students to do such a fine job.
Board member John Bosman believed that should include all staff at the school, because everyone makes a difference in the lives of the students in one way or another that would affect their test-taking abilities.
More positive news was heard at last Thursdayís meeting, including a fine report on the Jazz Bandís trip to Chicago. Even the bus company which transported the students sent a letter to commend the studentsí behavior on the trip.
The bus company, Sunshine Travel, also commended band director Morry Engler for his preparation and leadership demonstrated during the trip.
New ballfields being prepared
In about two years, more students will be able to play baseball as two new fields are being prepared. Ground has been leveled across the street from the high school and home plates have been located.
Superintendent Tim Eklund said fencing, backstops and other necessities have been purchased for $31,000 and are being stored, and the cost to install these items will be $20,000.
Surveying, grading and seeding will costs another $40,000.
The district is looking into irrigation for the field area, Eklund said, (there will be no grass in the infield) and eventually the district might consider putting in a well to supply water to the area. Until that time, water will be taken from the two ponds that have been formed near the ballfield site.
It will be two years before the fields can be used, he said.
While looking at costs and budgets, Eklund informed the board that potentially, the final tally of the elementary project could be over projected costs by $37,000 or even as low as $17,000. Earlier projections were closer to $100,000 over.
Eklund said for an $11.25 million project that is ěnot bad.î
He attributes the good costs to a good bidding climate. Also, additional items were added to the project.
Bus garage bidding
The board also approved going out for bids for the new bus garage that has been under discussion for several months.
The specifications will included two roof designs (the traditional center-pitched roof as an alternate) and options for increasing stalls from 14 to 20, in increments.
In other business, April 18, the board:
ď Accepted the resignation of Carla Manning from food service and, with regrets due to his longevity with the district, secondary science teacher Tom Seaburg;
ď Hired Sara Dahl for secondary English and social studies and Darla Welna for food service;
ď Renewed an employment contract with Wayne Peshia to teach secondary math and approved tenure for Michael Vaughan, Gregory Hills, Cherie Lundeen, Anita Larson and Paul Kirby;
ď Received the food service audit report and reviewed it with food service director Donna Westman. The report was good, with Westman noting the changes that have already been made to address ěnot metî areas. Board chairman Bosman commended Westman for a good budget and for turning the department around from a deficit situation a few years ago.
©ECM Post Review
6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com