Board Of Education Approves Advertising in the Schools/Sponsorship Program

The Milbank School District Board of Education met Monday, November 15. The board approved the 2017-2018 school calendar. According to Superintendent Graf, the calendar is similar to the 2016-2017 calendar.

The second reading of the Advertising in the Schools/Sponsorship Program was approved with no changes. The policy will apply to advertising banners, event programs, and the media board. “With the policy approved, contracts will be drawn up for existing advertising agreements,” stated Graf. The board will make a determination later as to when the policy will be implemented and how long the existing contracts will be in effect.

Supplemental contracts were approved for Kelsey Peery and Sandy Christianson. “These were not finalized when contracts were issued last year,” Graf explained. Peery was approved as the winter cheer advisor with $1394 in compensation. Christianson was approved as the middle school oral interp coach with payment of $1,043.

Two items were declared as surplus and will be advertised for sale by the district. The items include a Cable piano and one-inch concrete pavers. “The piano has not been in use for a number of years. So, we would like to surplus it to create additional space,” said Graf. “We also have at least a couple hundred one-inch concrete pavers that were on the old roof. Aesthetically, the pavers do not have any value, but there may be some functional use.”

Four conflict of interest waivers were approved. “They are still working on clarification of this process,” stated Graf. Waivers were approved for Dan Snaza, Sheila Bien, Milt Stengel, and Kris Evje.

School Board President Dick Schwandt plans to attend the Delegate Assembly in Pierre on November 18, Numerous ASBSD legislative resolutions will be discussed. Graf explained the biggest concern among administrators continues to be juvenile justice. “This seems to be a growing concern with public school exemption. In the past, there were home school certificates schools would have to approve. Now, they just get signed off on, which is leading to using this method for students with juvenile issues. It could be a very interesting conversation.”

Superintendent Graf will attend the annual state superintendents meeting. The group convenes immediately following the Governor’s budget address on Wednesday, December 7.

The last item of discussion was in regard to an updated policy DIE related to audits. “Although our current policy requires an audit at least every two years, we now need to conduct an audit every year due to our federal revenue.”

The meeting concluded with reports from Keri Schliesman (Koch Special Education Director), Kris Evje (Middle School Principal and Special Services Director), Dan Snaza (High School Principal), Amy Brandriet (Koch School Principal), and Superintendent Graf.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education is set for Monday, December 12, at 6 p.m. in the central office boardroom.