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K Everyday officially approved |
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By Patrick Tepoorten
“K Everyday,” (all day every day kindergarten) discussed at length at a NB school board work session at the end of January, was officially approved Feb. 14. Fees for the program will be $2,750 annually, with a 33 percent discount for those who qualify for reduced lunch, and a 50 percent discount for those who qualify for free lunch.
Also Community Relations Coordinator Sara Thompson brought the North Branch School Board up to speed on the Community Engagement Plan.
To date, the district has completed a number of strategies the plan encouraged, such as being more visible in the community, developing a “key communicators” list, and reaching out to existing partners.
Still in the works are providing “win-win” events for the community, and various other ways of reaching out to the community and listening to its concerns.
Next year, the district expects to implement remaining strategies of the plan, including a reader friendly financial accountability report and more opportunities for residents to see the schools firsthand.
Thompson reminded the board that the long-term implementation of the plan will require a team effort to address the “lack of connection” between district and community, and to build trust and connections with district residents.
In other news:
• Staff received approval to continue making plans to address facility concerns at the high school. Possible improvements include security enhancements at the entry, the addition of an “all purpose” room, and additional classroom and bathroom space. The improvements are estimated to cost roughly $3.5 million, and the district has expressed a desire to pay for the improvements using a lease levy, which does not require voter approval.
• Contract negotiations with the district’s custodians continue, and a mediation session was scheduled for Feb. 19.
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