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Sheldon school receives $10,000 donation
Nevada Daily Mail
The Alice Donaldson Trust donated $10,000 to the Sheldon school district to use as the board sees fit announced Superintendent Tim Judd at the Sheldon Board of Education meeting Wednesday.
"Alice Donaldson, a native of Sheldon, had a deep interest in history, speech, debate, and nature conservation," Judd read to the board from a letter from the trustees of her estate. He added the trustees would like Donaldson to be acknowledged in projects funded by the donation and to be informed how the gift is used. The board took no action.
In other business, the board discussed funding of the preschool for the next school year. The grant which provided the majority of the funding for the Sheldon preschool will decrease to $18,000 next year and then close out. Fees to fund the preschool this school year ranged from $3 to $9 based on income.
"We all know how vital preschool is toward the success of our kids," Judd said. We have to look at new ways to support preschool. Right now 70 percent of parents are paying $3."
He gave the board three recommendations for increasing fees for next year, an across the board fee of $10, $12 or $15 per day. He said the majority of the parents paying the reduced rate would qualify for a child assistance program, so in effect their fee would remain the same with the state picking up the rest.
"It's a double edged sword," board president Jerod Lamb said. "We really, really need it, but how can we really, really fund it when the money's not there?"
The board voted 6-0 to raise the fees across the board to $10. Lamb suggested making the forms for assistance a requirement when parents register their children.
Judd also brought the next school year's insurance rate before the board for discussion. The cost of health insurance will increase 11 percent to $442. Judd asked how much the board would be willing to pay of the insurance or increase salaries.
"For that teacher to maintain their standard of living as before, we need to raise what we pay to $310," board member Paul Sprenkle said.
Lamb said he was in favor of keeping the school's share at $280. The board agreed 5-1 to compromise and pay $300 toward insurance. Board member Julie Casey voted no.
In other business, Lamb asked the board for thoughts on making a two- or three-lane dirt and gravel track near the ag building.
"We would not host a meet," he said. "They could just practice for track. It keeps them off the road. You still have access in the middle to do whatever you want. The cost would be minimal."
The board approved the idea and suggested the middle could be used for a garden.
The board also discussed the merits of leasing brand new buses versus negotiating contracts with bus companies. Lamb joked he would buy some buses and start a business.
Four of the board members were in favor of contracting and two were neutral because pricing turned out to be very similar. The board directed Judd to continue to pursue contracting.
In the facilities report, Judd told the board the preschool repairs had been completed, costing $17,600 with the school's share at $1,000. He also told the board he would look into a grant for purchasing kitchen equipment to try to replace a stove and dishwasher.
In other business, Kristi Kelly, a representative of Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission, explained the Brownfields program to the board.
"We have a grant for conducting environmental assessments for properties," Kelly said. "The assessment is at no cost to the property owner. The timeframe for completing the assessment is 30 to 60 days. We recommend an environmental assessment of the old school, so the district wouldn't be out that money should it change hands."
She said the assessment would be good for at least a year and a structural assessment can be added if requested.
Phyllis Sprenkle said the assessment would be necessary to get funding for historical or non-historical preservation.
"There is a group of six to eight people who are interested in preserving the old school building," she said. "I also wanted to bring the board up to speed on the final presentation of the vision program. The vision students knew we were doing a recycling grant at the school. They suggested an outdoor classroom tied in with the recycling program. It would be a classroom set up with shelter and tables where students could learn about composting, recycling and perhaps aquatic studies."
She encouraged the school to become involved in Sheldon community betterment.
"It's going to go hand-in-hand," she added. "Whatever's good for the school will be good for the community and likewise. Change is not going to come easy."