Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Athletic sharing agreements approved for 3 sports
The Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School's intention to continue participation in the Instructional Support Program was met with silence at a public hearing on Monday. No patrons were present and no comments had been submitted prior to the meeting.
The district had given notice of its intention to participate in the Instructional Support Program for another five years, beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
Funding for the ISP each year will not exceed 10 percent of the total regular program district cost for the budget year and moneys received as a budget adjustment. The district will receive instructional support state aid and levy a combination of property taxes and income surtax. The latter amount will be determined each year by the board.
Funds generated through the ISP may be used for any general fund purpose.
"It would mean about $400,000 for our district," said Superintendent Patrick Carlin. "We would have to make it up if we don't renew it."
• Renew athletic sharing agreements
The board approved renewal of cooperative agreements for three sports.
The agreement with Okoboji for high school wrestling generated the most questions. According to discussion, H-M-S anticipates that five girls and 14 boys will participate in wrestling in 2024-25. Carlin said H-M-S would have to consider sustainability and scheduling if it chose to consider offering its own program. He was not sure whether numbers would increase if the district chose to do so.
"It was tough to find a sharing partner," he noted. "We want to be careful before we go away from one."
The board voted to renew the agreement with Okoboji, as well as agreements with Western Christian for bowling and Spencer for swimming. At least one girl is interested in participating in the latter sport.
• Staffing, other business
Additional staffing changes were addressed. Ann Elgersma is retiring as an associate. Resignations were accepted from Lindsey Meyers, high school ag teacher/FFA advisor; Tony Heneman, custodian/bus driver; Kirsten Taylor, high school cross country/head girls' track coach; and Korey Ebel, middle school assistant track coach.
Contracts were issued to Lyndsey Moser as an associate; Ebel as assistant high school girls' basketball coach; Hayden Adkins as middle school girls' wrestling coach; and Lynn Rohrs as a food service worker.
Carlin said the district is working on filling some vacant positions internally, but details of those personnel moves remain to be finalized.
The list of seniors eligible for graduation was approved. They will receive their diplomas on May 19. The Little Hawk Preschool will hold its graduation on May 17.
Eighth graders will be paired with mentor students next week to learn expectations and become acquainted with the routine of the high school. Fourth grade students will visit the middle school to become familiar with the learning environment they will experience next year.
