At its regular board meeting held Sept. 5, Wolf Creek Public Schools board of education voted against spending an estimated $3,000 for advertising to promote World Teacher Day.
Trustee Lorrie Jess said the board has paid for advertising at least once previously, but agreed it is not a prudent use of dollars.
“I don’t think it would be money well spent,” said trustee Donna Peterson.
Board votes against donation
In a two to four vote, the school board turned down making a decision to make $100 donation to J J Collett Natural Area located near Morningside.
Trustee Lorrie Jess, who made the motion to donate $100 to the organization, said eight schools in the division use the area for field trips.
“It’s educational dollars spent on education for our kids. There is no fee to use it. It would just be a gracious gesture.”
However, trustee Karin Engen said making a donation would set a precedent.
“You have to be very, very careful not to set a precedent. The list could grow each month,” she said.
Bob Huff and Jess voted in favor of making the donation.
School board looks at changing software provider
A huge jump in annual support costs by the current administrative computing software provider, Bellamy Software, has promoted the board to give administration the go-ahead to look for another provider.
Secretary-treasurer Joe Hendersen told the board Bellamy Software has increased its support costs from $56,000 per year to $210,000.
Funding for the conversion to a new system will be taken from operating reserves held for the system administration function.
Bratland to continue as chairman
Trudy Bratland will continue as Wolf Creek Public Schools board chair after being selected at the board’s organizational meeting Sept. 5. Trustee Bob Huff was chosen as the new vice-chairman, replacing Lorrie Jess who has held the position for the last two years.