New technology provides learning opportunities for students

EMILY GOJMERAC

REPORTER

At the April 14 Rib Lake School Board meeting, members got a glimpse of technology assisted projects Nancy Peterman is working on with sudents.

Peterman’s presentation gave insight to various projects that she has been working on with the 6-12 graders. The projects include taking retired computers apart and reassembling them, how to use drones, working with a 3-D printer, and doing maze design with robots.

“I’m a firm believer in that children learn by doing. I am thrilled with how these children are learning new skills everyday in my class,” Peterman said.

Summer school swimming program is going to be held in Phillips this year. This is due to efficiency and cost. Phillips has an indoor pool, with 6 water safety instructors included. The total price would be $1,800 for the district to send kids to swimming lessons, which is a $2,000 difference compared to previous years, even though the travel is a little farther.

Board member Jackie Mohr said “I’m all for this change because there were some days when I took my kids to outdoor swimming lessons and it was freezing cold, or it was raining and they had to cancel.”

District Administrator Rick Cardey said “The only downside is that we wouldn’t be able to pick students up on CTH M, who are on the south side of the district like we’ve always been able to.”

Swimming lessons will run the week after the 4th of July for two weeks.

Jon Dallmann gave his Elementary Principal report saying “It is great to have people from the community back in the building again.”

Dallmann commended the 4th graders on their wax museum that took place the previous week. Family reading night was also a success with a lot of families engaged in the activities.

Kirsten Budimlija gave her middle and high school principal report saying “All of our Forensics students went onto state and earned a medal, I am very proud of them.”

She added that the middle school choir students loved going to the nursing home to sing to the residents there.

Solo and Ensemble for both high school band and choir was successful with numerous students advancing to state.

Insurance packages for married couples within the district is currently set up to where the opposite spouse does not get the $4,500 cash in leu for being both employed by the district. If the employee is a single employee, and doesn’t take the insurance package, then the employee gets the $4,500 cash in leu for that year. It was suggested by a member of the staff if it could be possible that married couples that get the insurance taken out for both of them, could one person get the insurance taken out, and the other person who is under the same policy get the $4,500 cash in leu.

Cardey said “This increase would equal out to $19,000/ year.”

After much discussion amongst the board, this suggestion was not approved. In other business: Gary Thums spoke to the board on behalf of the School Forest when he had asked for a $1,500 donation for trail maintenance. The board approved the donation.

Megan Jonasen will take the place as the new kindergarten teacher. This would create a need for a new Interventionist position.

Dallmann is going to work with Houtari Construction to see what it would take to put in handicap accessible doors in the middle and high schools.

The internet line construction should be starting within the next month.

Cardey said “We should have our internet fully installed throughout the summer.”

The district was awarded a 20 gallon paint grant from True Value.

Chris Polacek is retiring from her position as food service lead.

Paul Yanko is stepping down from his position as Athletic Director, yet he is still interested in coaching.

Heather Weik is resigning her position as 8th grade basketball coach.

Health insurance renewal contracts for the 2022-2023 school year for employees came out to be a 9.5% increase.

Dental insurance renewal contracts for the 2022-2023 school year for employees came out to be a 2% increase.

Salaries for extra curricular activities are going to be increased by 4%.

The HVAC pumps that circulate the heat through the middle school need to be repaired. The two pumps will be replaced while the system is shut down for the summer.

Unused personal days for the district staff will be now paid out at $100/day for a full day, and $50 for a half day.