Gilman board hopes to end school year on high note
During Monday’s meeting, the Gilman school board reviewed the events of the past month as well as looking forward to what’s to come in the remaining weeks until the last day of school on June 4.
Gilman’s prom took place on May 1, where over 80 people were in attendance. With the spring sports season underway, grades 5-12 Principal and Athletic Director, Jon Hess, explained that there has not been any hiccups so far as the season’s been progressing. “Each of our teams are very competitive this year,” said Hess. As of Monday’s meeting, the track team has participated in five meets, with a number of students achieving high placings. The softball team has a record of 7-4, and baseball is at 5-3.
Hess discussed the Department of Public Instruction’s required Regional Career Pathways. Gilman’s region of the state is focusing on manufacturing, business administration, health care, and construction. At Gilman, specifically, they are able to offer a manufacturing pathway, providing different connections to college-level classes and other experiences and learning opportunities. They are also looking to their agriculture and IT pathways as well.
Hess expressed an optimistic attitude when thinking about the end of the school year. He said that it was exciting to have a “sense of normalcy” as they are concluding the year. “We are one of the few districts to continue to meet face-toface each and every school day for all students throughout the school year,” said Hess. “We still have work to do as we have about two to three weeks left in the school, but a job well done across the board.”
Looking at the remainder of the school year, the school board reviewed the main events that are to occur in the next weeks. Senior awards night is to take place on May 19. Before the last day of school, there will be an elementary school track and field day on June 2, along with Eighth Grade Promotion to take place at 7 p.m. that same day.
District Administrator Walter Leipart had no new updates when it came to the pandemic response plan. Leipart told the board that the school district is in week twelve without any new COVID-19 cases reported. “We feel pretty confident that we can continue on the pathway we are taking,” said Leipart. No changes to graduation have been made as it will continue as planned to take place on Friday, May 28 at 7 p.m.
One of the main topics for discussion was the preparation and welcoming of new staff within the school district.
“It’s been an incredible last two weeks where we’ve been able to find some high quality candidates for hire for next year.” said Leipart, expressing excitement about the hiring of new staff. Hess also shared a similar sentiment.
The board reviewed a number of new hires being made within the school district, including a kindergarten teacher, first grade teacher, general music and band teacher, and middle school/high school science teacher. Leipart applauded the Gilman district for bringing in many highly qualified individuals. “This is a true demonstration of how we have shaped the culture in our district to be innovative and supporting kids, and creating an environment where teachers want to come here.” The school district is still searching and interviewing for an interventionist for the next school year.
On April 20, the USDA announced that Waiver #86 will continue through June 30, 2022. Due to this extended waiver, Gilman’s Summer Food Service Program will be able to continue providing free meals to their students into next year. However, meal rates still required approval as the waiver does not cover adults and staff rates. The board approved to keep their 2020-21 rates for the 2021-22 school year. It was also approved to maintain the same course and activity fees as they are for the next school year.
The Gilman school board was looking to increase their employee wages for all staff including cooks, custodians, paraprofessionals, secretaries, and teachers by 2%. Gilman’s current budget for wages is $2,067,720. The 2% increase would add an extra $42,000 to the current budget. Leipart said that this was a reasonable expenditure to the budget for the 2021-22 school year. The consumer price index (CPI) is a measure that is often used to show inflation and the increase in the cost of living. The current CPI is 1.23%. The Gilman school district used it as a gauge, but they are not required by law to follow it. The recommended 2% increase was approved by the school board with Valorie Kulesa voting no and Bruce Ewings Sr. abstaining.
In other business:
• The Gilman district also celebrated Staff Appreciation Week from May 3-7, along with holding an outdoor band concert at the park that was wellattended by family and community members, according to Hess.
• The board approved to increase the 2021-2024 Transportation Contract with individual contractors from $402,280 to $421,435. Valorie Kulesa abstained from the vote.
• The school approved the purchase of two new scoreboards in the high school gymnasium and a new scoreboard in the elementary school gymnasium to replace the two existing scoreboards that are no longer functional. These will cost a total of $19,881 along with any extra electrical work.
• The board reviewed possible changes to their insurance rates, including increasing limits to cyber solutions and adding coverage for fraudulent inpersonation. The property insurance renewal rates are still being reviewed and will be approved at a future time.
• The 2021-22 Nursing Services Contract with Cadott community schools was approved.
