by Mari Radtke
The MMCRU School Board heard a proposal from Caitlin Dreckman and Pam Schneider for teacher salary adjustments to the master contract for the coming year. The pair proposed that each current teacher to receive a $3000 annual salary increase. The proposal also suggested a base rate for new teachers beginning at $35,000 per year. The board is preparing their response.
The Industrial Arts program is looking ot purchase a co-bit CRX5. The user-friendly robotic arm used in may small and mid-size companies features ease of use. The board also approved the sale of the current robotic welder. The board approved the purchase of the co-bot CRX5 up to the sale amount of the robotic arm.
Security cameras were approved for purchase. Cameras will be installed throughout both campuses to add a layer of protection for staff and students. RTI of North Sioux City, SD is the low bidder for the new camera systems. The funding comes form the School Security Grant, COVID funds earmarked by Governor Kim Reynolds for school safety. The grant provides up to $50,000 per school and $100,000 per district.
The board also approved a revised fitness center agreement with some use guidelines. The goal is to protect the facility as well as the students and users.
Congratulations to successful athletic efforts by MMCRU students. Gage Johnson qualified for state wresting at 138 pounds. This is the first solo state qualifier since becoming MMCRU. Breeana Staab earned her way to state bowing. Also, 4 archers qualified for 3D target shooting. They are Elspeth Hogg, Caitlin Wetter, Brianna Schuetz and Brayden Olson. Josh Doellinger made the trip in the Individual Bullseye event. Ensemble Acting also earned notariety in the competitive event. Elspeth Hogg, Hope Russell and Eoin Hogg earned All-State recognition. Five of the six groups earned 1 ratings at State Large Group.
Superintendent Dan Barkel shared the ongoing discussions with NCC about exploring a Career Academy at the high school level. Dollars from both NCC and the Department of Education are available. Barkel reported that it would make the CTE more sustainable and offer more college credit to high school students.
Barkel is following some state legislation that may impact MMCRU. If one school transportation bill passes, busses from LeMars could come into Oyens and busses from Cherokee could enter Meriden and possibily Cleghorn. Another bill wandering its way through the state legislature increases the operational number from 21 to 29. That would be a financially beneficial change for school districts by allowing additional “phantom” students for funding. Discussion of school start dates is underway at the capital, although Barkel reports school calendars are already set. Barkel also touched on a bill that addresses AEAs. He said, “This bill has met a lot of opposition due to the governor’s wanting to gut the AEA’s and move the authority to the Dept of Ed. I believe that as two rural districts, losing the AEA services as they are delivered right now, would be a loss for our districts. If we were an urban district, I would feel differently. So, I am hoping the AEA’s stay as they currently are, with perhaps more oversight from local school districts that they serve to make them more accountable.” Teacher pay is an ongoing discussion.
The Foundation Dinner is Friday March 9.