Milbank High School Math Department to Be Restructured

The Milbank School District Board of Education met in regular session Monday, February 13. They approved three motions following an executive session.

The first motion reduces the math staff at MHS. Currently, there are three high school math positions – two part-time. The part-time instructors are Les Bloem and Caitlyn Graf. Graf is in a shared position with the Wilmot School District. The third instructor is Matt Bastian.

According to Superintendent Tim Graf, the school board employed RIF (Reduction in Force) to combine the two part-time positions to create one full-time position. “The two teachers currently holding the part-time positions can apply for the newly created full-time position,” Graf stated. “If both teachers apply for the position, the Reduction in Force policy will be followed in filling the position.”

The board also approved the motion to not renew the math sharing agreement with the Wilmot School District. “A March 1 deadline existed to notify the other district if either district was not going to renew the sharing agreement,” Graf added. “The board approved not to renew that agreement.”

Pole vault as a track and field event at MHS was approved by the board. An agreement was reached with the Ortonville School District to use their facility for outdoor practices with a $250 compensation rate. John Trevett will serve as coach.

The board also approved the resignation of Dawn Schjei from the food service staff as of February 17. She is moving back to Wyoming. Cheryl Elsberry has been reassigned to the kitchen. Justin Brown was hired as a full-time custodian.

The 2017 drivers education rates were set the same as last year – $250. An open enrollment application for a ninth grade student from Ortonville was also approved.

The general fund was reviewed. “This is the first full summary of the fiscal year and, at this point, we have spent 47.68% of budgeted expenditures compared to 47.75% last year,” Graf stated.

The school board was thanked for their leadership and service to the district in honor of South Dakota School Board Recognition Week, February 20-24. Serving on the school board are Dick Schwandt, Amy Thue, Sheila Bien, Milt Stengel, and Tracy Upton.

The next regular meeting of the board is Monday, March 13, at 6 p.m. in the Central Office board room.