Property sale advanced by school board

• Prescott

Prescott

Talk about it

PRESCOTT—The sale of school property was among topics for the Prescott School Board Dec. 19.

In executive session, board members considered bids on the sale of school property, along with a resolution to sell school property. Additionally, a resolution authorizing Board Chair Mark Helmer to sign all documents to consummate the closing of the purchase of the Royal Oaks property as per the purchase agreement was considered.

In open session, the resolution to sell school property contingent on purchasing other property and authorizing Helmer to execute the deed was approved. Additionally, Helmer was authorized to sign all documents to consummate the closing of the purchase of the Royal Oaks property as per the agreement.

In other business:

--The report and recommendations from the facility action team were accepted. The board plans to conduct another survey of the community regarding facility solutions. This survey will be held over the phone to 300 district residents who represent the voting public. Superintendent Roger Hulne will have the first draft of the survey questions for review in January.

--A resolution approving and authorizing the execution of an energy services agreement with Trane U.S. Inc. was adopted. In a related item, Mike Hoikka, director of buildings and grounds, compiled an indoor environmental quality management plan, required by the state. The district is currently complying with this plan; anyone having a concern can complete a form and it will be addressed.

--Hulne has asked Joan Simon to get bids for new high school library furniture. The furniture presently in the library has been there since the building was built in 1970. Simon is working on getting bids for quality furniture from three different companies.

--Hulne has challenged the building principals to think of more and better ways to improve school security. Input was to be gathered from a variety of sources, with recommendations to be brought back to the school board. School security was discussed during executive session, too.

--Policies were heard and one on student dress and personal appearance was adopted with the provision clothing, body art and personal affects must not create a distraction or present a safety hazard. A first reading and discussion were held on an attendance/truancy policy, as the current policy didn’t comply with state law regarding schools being required to give credit for completed work and tests while students are suspended and for unexcused absences, so some changes were needed. A first reading and discussion were also held on a Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship policy, as the state has changed the selection guidelines for this scholarship, with the high school principal choosing instead of the school board.

--The financial audit was completed, the board was told, indicating the general fund balance increased by $259,059 to $1,924,971 or a little over 13 percent of the budget. The board goal is to maintain a minimum of 10 percent of fund balance. Teachers took an average of eight to nine percent in cuts last year due to changes in state law.

--The high school band trip to Florida in 2014 was approved, as was the addition of a high school math teacher for the 2013-14 school year.

--The board reviewed the draft of the 2013-14 school district calendar a committee of staff volunteers developed. The earliest start date is Sept. 3 and dismissal for the summer must be no later than June 6 to begin summer school the second week in June. Action on the calendar is expected in January.

Tags: communities, prescott, education, wisconsin