Anthony Dahl was appointed by the School Board at its November regular meeting to fill the vacant School Board seat left by Kelly Gundlach. (Scroll past the video for more article text)
Board policy directed how the vote was to take place. Board members used a signed ballot. A candidate would have needed four votes to be declared the winner.
First Ballot
Joni Martin: 2 votes
Erik Bakken, Anthony Dahl, Iza Harris, and Maggie Tucker: 1 each
Second Ballot
Joni Martin: 2 votes
Erik Bakken, Anthony Dahl, Iza Harris, and Maggie Tucker: 1 each
Third Ballot
Maggie Tucker: 2 votes
Joni Martin: 2 votes
Anthony Dahl: 1 vote
Iza Harris: 1 vote
Fourth Ballot
Maggie Tucker: 2 votes
Joni Martin: 1 vote
Anthony Dahl: 2 votes
Iza Harris: 1 vote
Fifth Ballot
Maggie Tucker: 2 votes
Joni Martin: 1 vote
Anthony Dahl: 2 votes
Iza Harris: 1 vote
There was no winner after five rounds, so the four candidates who received votes in the last round were placed into a hat for a random drawing. Anthony Dahl was declared the winner.
Coming up in the April election, the top two vote getters will get the three year terms, while the third place finisher would get the one year to fill out Gundlach’s term. Mr. Dahl can choose whether or not he would like to run again in April. (This begins the meeting video)
Other Business:
- December 21st at 5 pm is the deadline for incumbents Andy Busch, Larry Steffes, and Tony Dahl to file non-candidacy, if they wish to not seek another term. January 2 at 5 pm is the deadline for all candidates (including incumbents) to file all documents needed to establish eligibility to appear on the April ballot. This can be done in the District Office at 705 Ross Street.
- The Board discussed the results of the referendum and the canvass, along with next steps post-referendum.
A Finance Committee meeting was held prior to the regular board meeting. The recommendation from Baird Financial was to borrow $8.5 million yet in 2018. The idea is the district would get the money, invest it, and any interest earned would go towards the elementary building project. Interest rates are somewhat favorable for investments right now, Interim Superintendent Mitch Wainwright stated, so there could be an extra $100,000 or more that could be spent on the project (in the form of contingency monies).
FEH Design, Kraemer Brothers, and members of the district met Monday afternoon. The district is looking at perhaps holding a public input session around design in mid December.
Greg Callin of Kraemer stated the schedule is important–some work can be done during the school year, but much of it needs to be done in the summer. He also stated the construction market is pretty busy, so it behooves the district to move at a consistent pace throughout the design process.
He added two summers will be needed to do the work, but “by the start of the 2020-21 school year, we should be ready.” (Go to the one hour, 12 minute, 20 second mark)
- The Board voted unanimously (with Everett Lindsey having left the meeting) to hire Mallory McGuire as an elementary instructional assistant. (Go to the two hour mark)
- The Board voted 6-0 to approve the use of the DPI Model LEA Special Education Policies and Procedures that were updated July 2018. (Go to the two hour, two minute, 30 second mark)
- The Board approved the credit card statement and bills payable by a 5-0-1 vote with Basting abstaining. (Go to the two hour, three minute, 45 second mark)
- The Board voted 6-0 to approve the budget amendments, which are a requirement from DPI surrounding energy efficiency and common school funds. (Go to the two hour, 10 minute, 45 second mark)
- The Board voted 6-0 to approve the purchase of a skid steer brush attachment for snow removal. The brush that is worn out is 12 years old and was used when the district purchased it. (Go to the two hour, 14 minute mark)
- The December monthly meeting will be Monday the 10th at 5 pm (starting early due to the Middle/High School Winter Concert).