Montevideo School Board sets levy
MONTEVIDEO -- Montevideo School Board members heard encouraging news this week as they certified the new levy.
The annual audit for the district showed that district finances are improving as a result of the budget reductions made for the current year. The district should be in a position to manage the revenue challenges expected when the state Legislature approves its new budget, said Superintendent Luther Heller.
Board members at the meeting Monday certified a 2010 overall levy of $2,280,913, payable in 2011. It reflects an overall increase of 3.64 percent. The increase is due largely to the need to make up for a reduction in state revenue, Heller said.
Board members also approved action to employ two math instructors, Patty Opdahl for grades K-7 and Mary Jacobs for grades 8-12 and to assist the Area Learning Center. The two will work along with math instructors serving those grades and the ALC to help students meet state performance standards for math.
Along with offering help to students, the instructors will assist the classroom teachers in identifying areas of the curriculum where changes might be needed to meet the state standards.
Board members also approved a request by Dave Vik's fifth-grade students to raise funds to purchase shovels, sleds and toboggans for the outdoor playground area. The students developed their own budget and a presentation for the project as part of a civics class lesson.
Board members also acted to thank outgoing board members David Lipps and Gerry Wohlhuter for their years of service.
