The North Harrison School District, at their meeting Tuesday, December 19th, approved putting a $1 levy on the ballot for the April 2nd election. If passed, the measure would increase the property tax levy from $4.50 per $100 assessed valuation to $5.50. Passage requires a simple majority. Last year’s balance, from all five checking accounts, was $1,195,032.74. This was as of December 1st, 2022. This year’s balance, as of December 1st, 2023, was $1,099,521.57, or $95,511.17 less than last year.
The measure is named Proposition Shamrocks C.A.R.E. The purpose will be to attract and retain quality certified and support staff and meet additional operating expenses. Currently, the state operates a grant program which brings up the base salary to $38,000 a year for starting teachers; however, the legislature does it on a year by year basis, and approval is not guaranteed.
The Sheridan Express welcomes letters both for and against the measure. All letters must be signed; we cannot accept anonymous letters. The Sheridan Express reserves the right to edit or reject letters.
Mrs. Marrisa Irvin, art instructor, and Mrs. Tanya Norris, third grade instructor, shared information about the activities in their classrooms.
Elementary Principal Susan Allen reported that Ms. Capps and the elementary students put on another good concert December 7th.
The Elementary Student Leadership Team hosted a food drive for the Harrison County Food Pantry the first week of December. Fifth grade students won an ice cream party for bringing in the most food. The team is also doing candy cane grams to raise money for the La Plate School District, which recently lost their elementary school due to a fire.
Several teachers and paraprofessionals visited the Cainsville Early Childhood Special Education to observe and learn strategies to use with their students.
Superintendent Ethan Sickels reported that the school will be having a poverty simulation for the staff on February 12th.
The school received a quality pre-K grant for the second semester, which will allow the school to offer free pre-K for four year olds. The school will receive $50,900 from state funding instead of the $18,900 they would have collected in tuition. They will utilize these funds to pay for the teacher and paraprofessional, required training, and updated assessments and supplies.
P1 Plumbing of St. Joseph will be at the school over the break to fix leaking pipes and make recommendations for the system.
American Digital Solutions will come in January to install the additional card readers the school wrote for in their School Safety Grant.
The board approved the facilities master plan for upcoming years. Already done are the purchase of a new van to replace the blue van, new concrete for the ag building sidewalk, south front steps, and the north and east parking lots, and a replacement for the water heater. The following improvements are on the school’s master list:
2023-24 – New concrete at the greenhouse and for the shot put and discus; gravel the high school parking lot, track, and elementary; window safety decals; address and replace HVAC and well field leaks; security camera updates; replace a missing gate on the playground; new cabinets and plumbing for the Life Skills classroom, finish key fobs for the outside entrances.
2024-25: Replace high school classroom doors; paint and new hardware for high school lockers; high school bathroom repairs and updates; locker room repairs and updates; add a storage room outside the high school hallway door; update the emergency system; building updates; fixes to the elementary playground; new concrete for the elementary entrance.
2025-26: Purchase a new van to replace the silver van; small gym repairs and updates; multipurpose room/storm shelter repairs and updates; tear out old lab tables in the science room; reseal the elementary classroom windows.
2026-27: Overhang at the Elementary and Early Childhood Center doors; Stain or update the east side gym bleachers; update the stage mat.
2027-28: Furniture updates; replace interactive flat panels; replace elementary flooring.
Long range plans include paving the Elementary Child Center parking lot, building a concession stand and restrooms for the track, and replacing the roof on the Early Childhood Center.
In addition, there is the need to maintain the vehicle fleet. The school purchased four buses in August 2017; those vehicles all have between 70,000 and 101,000 miles. Another bus was purchased in May 2022. The blue van has 202,597 miles, the silver van has 171,875 miles, and the Suburban has 71,117 miles. All mileage figures are as of November 1st.
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