By Kerri Rempp
Sioux County Schools PIO
The Sioux County School Board swore in a new member and reviewed documents to prepare for the sale of the old elementary school.
Lane Grote took his oath of office Jan. 13, replacing Shon Whetham who elected to not seek re-election after having served on the board for 16 years. Judd Skavdahl was re-elected as board president. Lora Andersen was selected as vice president, Joleen Falkenburg as treasurer and Dave Howell as secretary. Superintendent Liz Baker serves as recording secretary.
With construction of the new elementary school completed, the district has been preparing to sell the old school and adjacent property. A new plat for the lot was approved by the Village of Harrison board Jan. 7, and the school board reviewed the plat at its most recent meeting. The district will offer two lots for auction, one of which is vacant and one of which contains the old school and basketball court. The existing playground will be turned over to the village through an amendment to the current lease agreement between the village and the school district, Baker said.
In other business this month, the board: Heard a report from Baker that the State Legislature is facing a $433 million budget shortfall, is looking at special education reimbursement and anticipates changing the TEOSA formula that governs state aid.
Finalized plans to remove Chalk Butte and Pink from its property damage insurance because the wind and hail deductible is $50,000 per building per occurrence. The board discussed setting funds aside for building repairs during budget preparation. Learned that Baker met with Chalk Butte parents regarding needs that have been addressed at the building. Baker also opened discussions with the parents on removing barriers to encourage those elementary students to consider attending Sioux County High School after transitioning out of the K-6 rural attendance center. Financial issues at Morrill Schools may also increase demand at Chalk Butte, Baker said, and Sioux County will need to look at option enrollment numbers based on space and staffing.
