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| 1/14/2010 9:31:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| From left, FFA president Taylor Chandler, FFA secretary Mercedes Ress, AgStar representative Josh Swanson, agriculture teacher/FFA advisor Norb Pintens. |
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Grant aids FFA, Agriculture program at High School
Ruth Erickson
Chronotyps staff
The Board of Education of the Rice Lake School District congratulated the High School agriculture department for being awarded an AgStar grant and voted to apply for a federal grant at its board meeting Monday, Jan 11.
High School FFA advisor Norb Pintens told the board that board member Doug Kucko had informed him that grant money was available for agriculture classrooms through AgStar's Agriculture Classroom Equipment grant program.
The advisor said he got the application just in time and recently received a letter that the school's ag department had been awarded $2,420.
Josh Swanson of AgStar made the award presentation at the meeting. On hand to accept it were two FFA students and Pintens.
Pintens said the funds will be used to buy equipment for the food processing class including a cider mill, dehydrators and sausage stuffers. He suspects some funds will also be available for the natural resources and forestry classes.
High School principal Chad Harnisch said, "These purchases will allow us to provide richer, more in-depth, hands-on learning experiences for our students, and subsequently will provide for a deeper understanding of the essential learning of the courses."
Board member Steve Bowman requested a sample of the cider and sausage that will be made by the students.
Rice Lake was one of 24 High Schools to receive a portion of $50,000 in grants through the program.
"AgStar knows how vital ag education courses are in High Schools and we want to make sure students are provided with the most up-to-date equipment to enhance their learning environment," said Jody Bloemke, fund administrator.
In a release announcing the award, AgStar stated, "Agricultural education in high schools develops leadership skills and prepares students interested in careers in the agricultural field. Agriculture curriculum develops management, job, communication, literacy and other applied academic skills and educates students for careers and lifelong learning. These courses build awareness of opportunities in agriculture and help students become better informed as consumers."
At the recommendation of superintendent Paul Vine, the board agreed to participate in the application process to receive possible federal funding through the Race to the Top grant administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
"I would encourage you to consider signing it," said Vine, who said the district has 90 days to opt out if it chooses to do so after more information becomes available on the requirements.
Grant applications are due Tuesday. The teachers union elected not to sign the grant application because of the possibility that it could negatively impact contracts.
All board members approved it, with board member Skip Widdes giving a reserved "aye," hoping that his fear of the grant attaching unfunded mandates are unfounded.
Budget projections
The board took a look at 5-year budget predictions, which showed enrollment going down and expenses going up.
Vine presented data showing how districts from Altoona to Superior are projecting the same dilemma. He said the state formula for funding is affecting all districts dramatically and forcing them to discontinue or consolidate programs and schools, reduce or eliminate staff, freeze salaries and conduct referendums asking taxpayers to exceed revenue caps.
Board member Laurie Gargulak wondered if student fees, like those assessed in driver's education, might be required if all of the current programs are to continue.
Board president Ray Van Gilder said public school funding needs to be reviewed and revised. He said the Legislature has not done anything about it for 17 years and a change is long overdue.
Skip Widdes advised taxpayers to watch closely the bills that are being debated in the state Legislature. He said the alarming trend is to take control away from local districts and give it to the Department of Public Instruction. He urged residents to contact their elected officials with their concerns.
Other business
In other business, the School Board:
• Approved an audit report compiled by auditor Dan Thole, which was presented in depth at the last Finance Committee meeting. Business manager Pat Blackaller said it received an "unqualified" opinion, which means the auditor had no reservations on his recommendations. Thole's only concern was the district's credit card policy, which needs to be tightened up.
• Heard that the Buildings and Grounds Committee is reviewing its 5-year maintenance plan, looking for projects that may qualify for renewable energy grants or a levy for capital improvements.
• Made mention of its school crossing guards during this recognition week. They include Roger Aderman, Eddie Apfel, Sheila Bungartz, James Hagen, Gregory Humphreys, Patricia Lefebvre, Judy Lorenz, Carl Shultz and Lorraine Slack. A breakfast was held for them Tuesday at City Hall.
• Approved the resignation of Jody Bubolz, benefits coordinator/administrative assistant.
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