NEN school board hears update on track
In the news
Northeast Nodaway Superintendent Jeff Mehlenbacher caught members of the school board up to speed on the track project at Thursday night’s meeting.
Since the last time the school board met, members of the track committee and Mehlenbacher presented the idea of the track project along with preliminary drawings to the Ravenwood City Council. The council was also asked to allow a right-of-way along the city-owned ditch that runs between the school and the anticipated track. The right-of-way would include the installation of a tube for a path to be created across the ditch for access between the two school-owned properties.
The city council supported the idea of the track, along with the right-of-way, but a formal approval will be given when more details on the right-of-way are presented.
Mehlenbacher told the school board that contractors are currently being sought for soil boring and land surveying. He read a few estimates given already, but said he will continue to search until he finds one worth bringing to the board for approval. He also informed the board that the community and alumni will be sought to help with grant writing efforts toward the project.
Mehlenbacher also updated the board on the ag enclosure project. The concrete walkway for the breezeway was poured the day of the meeting, with plans to build the enclosure in the following days, depending on the weather. Mehlenbacher said he hopes the project will be completed before, or soon after, the start of school.
The district tax rate hearing date was set for 6:45 p.m. on August 18 with the regularly scheduled school board meeting to follow at 7 p.m. Mehlenbacher reviewed the district’s policy regarding the tax rate.
A corporate resolution with the school district’s bank was signed to allow the district’s new bookkeeper, DeAnn Redden, to have access to the district bank accounts. Board member Jeff Redden abstained from the vote.
Mehlenbacher invited the board members to attend any of the staff orientation days in preparation for the new school year to meet district staff members.
The school district’s annual audit will begin this week.
The board was informed that the district’s part-time tech resigned and Mehlenbacher is currently interviewing for a possible replacement. He anticipates a candidate will be chosen in time for training with the current tech, but board approval will make the hire official in August.