At their meeting last week, the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Board of Education approved a budget amendment to the fiscal year 2022 budget. These included an increase of $780,000 due to the availability of COVID-relief funds. There was also an increase of $100,000 for nutrition due to rising food and supplies costs and an increase of $10,150,000 to cover the cost of the MS gym and baseball/softball complex additions. Board Secretary Anita Frye explained the amendment was necessary to avoid an audit comment later on.
In his Superintendent’s report, Joe Nelson shared that the district will now be offering family insurance for spouses who are both employed by the district. This will result in a savings to the families of over $8,000. Nelson added that the district is planning to co-op for soccer with Belmond-Klemme so they can field both JV and varsity boys and girls teams. In a building update, Nelson said that the district is still exploring cost effective ways to add a press box and restrooms to the baseball/softball complex. Their original bid for that part of the complex was around $1 million.
The board discussed the list that came from the Dept of Education regarding eligible certified teachers in the district to receive a $1,000 stipend. Earlier this year the governor had announced pandemic-related $1,000 retention bonuses for certain groups including teachers. Nelson noted that bonuses for over 70 teachers will be reimbursed by the state. There are also nine full time certified employees that are not on the list that the district will provide stipends to at their own expense as well.
In staffing changes, the board accepted resignations from Anita Simmons – HS Para and Jolene Rasmussen – Co-Wrestling Cheer Coach. They approved an initial contract for Kristen Huttinger for MS Language Arts and Jeff Friesleben who will be taking on Transportation Director duties in addition to his current duties as buildings and grounds director.
The next board meeting on April 11 will include the budget hearing. Look for a story regarding the district budget in the upcoming weeks.
