H-M-S preschool program will remain part time next year

Expanding the preschool program at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School from half days to a full day schedule will not happen next fall.

Principal Ashley Benz told the school board last month that H-M-S was considering extending Little Hawks Preschool's schedule to four full days per week. She said that additional learning opportunities could be offered with an extended schedule.

Further investigation has resulted in the district maintaining the preschool's current half-day schedule in 2024-25. Benz told the board on Monday that financial considerations were a factor in the decision.

"I do want to continue looking for ways to move to full time and hope that in the future we may be able to. However, the current funding allocation for preschool would not make it a good financial decision for the district," she said.

According to discussion, area districts with full-time preschools are charging for the extended time. Superintendent Patrick Carlin said H-M-S would need to give families more time to prepare for that possibility.

"If we do end up charging, it will be a lot cheaper than daycare," he noted.

• Mower purchases

The board discussed options for replacing equipment used to mow the high school athletic fields. Buildings and Grounds Director Jeremy Niichel reviewed bids from two dealers for zero-turn mowers and lawn tractors.

"The tractor style does a better job bagging the [football] field. It cuts cleaner," he said.

The low bids were submitted by C&B Operations for a John Deere 2760R ZTrak zero turn mower [$10,205] and a John Deere X584 lawn tractor [$11,265].

"I would agree on the tractor one," said Board Member Kyle McCarter.

"I would lean more toward the tractor one, too," Carlin responded.

Board Member Chad Lyman favored buying both mowers right away.

"Everything is going to go up, so you might as well buy both," he said.

The other board members agreed and voted to purchase both John Deere mowers.

• Fortunate hiring season

The 11 contracts issued during the meeting confirmed that H-M-S has been able to attract candidates to fill open positions.

"We've been very fortunate in our hiring season. We're about as good as we can be right now," Carlin noted.

Certified contracts were issued to Jeremiah Delzer, elementary special education teacher; Gracie Lode and Haley Schwenneker, elementary teachers; and Katie Francis, Family and Consumer Science teacher.

Korey Ebel will serve as safety/at-risk coordinator, as well as boys' head track coach, weight room coach and middle school head baseball coach (2025 season).

Delzer was offered a contract as head high school football coach, and Ashley Tessum will continue as head high school girls' basketball coach. James Mattingly's contract as assistant high school baseball coach is contingent upon his receiving his authorization.

Kathy Wolters is retiring from her position as middle school associate.

• Service agreement, calendar

The HVAC service agreement with Trane was extended through Feb. 28, 2025. The agreement covers inspections and maintenance of HVAC systems at all three buildings, and provides 24 hours of remote service.

According to discussion, the overall cost will be less than the previous agreement and the district will be able to pay charges from the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy fund.

Anticipating no major legislative change in when school can start next year, the board approved the 2024-25 calendar. Classes will begin Friday, Aug. 23 and the final day is scheduled for May 22. Potential weather makeup days are May 23, Jan. 20, March 10, April 7 and May 27-30.

The board also renewed the group purchasing agreement with Northwest AEA and accepted Sanborn Christian School's bid of $3,002 for surplus high jump equipment.