Dickinson Public Schools public meetings in 2021

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider a roll‑call vote on a Request for Qualifications to hire GT Architecture and YHR Partners for architectural services for CTE infrastructure at the North Campus and Dickinson High School. The meeting also includes approval of the consent agenda, a motion to destroy selected old school records, and decisions on two open‑enrollment applications. Additional informational items include the Superintendent's Report and principal reports on High Reliability Schools.

• Approval of the consent agenda covering minutes, bills, financial and personnel reports
• Destruction of selected records from fiscal years 2012‑2016 as recommended by Business Manager Stephanie Hunter
• Dissolve open enrollment for Brandi Martin’s child and approve open enrollment for Breanna Smith’s child
• RFQ to negotiate architectural services with GT Architecture and YHR Partners for CTE infrastructure at the North Campus and Dickinson High School
• Superintendent's Report items: retirement of RACTC Director Kevin Nelson, Long Range Facility Plan Committee, district state of report, website launch, COVID numbers, Early Childhood Center

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools board will discuss moving the interim superintendent to the permanent superintendent role. An executive session is planned to consider the strategy for negotiating the superintendent's contract. The board will vote on amending the interim contract and on extending Dr. Lewton's contract from July 1 2022 to June 30 2024. A separate executive session will address an attorney consultation on a teacher grievance.

• Discussion of transitioning the interim superintendent to superintendent of schools
• Executive session to discuss superintendent contract negotiations strategy
• Motion to amend the interim superintendent's contract (remove "Interim" and related provisions)
• Motion to extend Superintendent Dr. Lewton's contract July 1 2022 – June 30 2024
• Executive session for attorney consultation on a teacher grievance

The School Board voted to remove the interim status from Dr. Marcus Lewton's role and extend his contract. The board also held executive sessions regarding contract strategy and a teacher grievance.

• Approved amendment to remove 'Interim' status and specific contract waivers for Dr. Marcus Lewton (5-0)
• Approved contract extension for Superintendent Dr. Marcus Lewton from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024 (5-0)
• Approved entering executive session to discuss contract negotiations strategy (5-0)
• Approved entering executive session for attorney consultation regarding a teacher grievance (5-0)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a procedural workshop where the board will build the agenda for the December 13, 2021 board meeting. No substantive decisions or discussions are listed.

• Build the December 13, 2021 Board Meeting Agenda

The Board met to build the agenda for the December 13, 2021, meeting. Interim Superintendent Dr. Marcus Lewton provided updates on enrollment, COVID-19 mandates, and a $3 million revenue decrease. No formal votes were recorded during the workshop.

• Proposed removing CTE Academy Update as a standalone topic and merging it into the Request for Qualifications agenda item

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider approving the consent agenda, which includes October bills, a financial report, personnel changes, and a tuition waiver request. Action items include authorizing the sale of unneeded equipment at the North Complex and authorizing the Interim Superintendent to draft a Request for Qualifications for an architect and Construction Manager at Risk for the Career and Technical Education Center. Informational topics include updates on the Roughrider Area Career and Technology Center and principal reports on social-emotional learning.

• Authorization to draft RFQ for architect and CMAR for CTE Center
• Sale of unneeded equipment at North Complex/Halliburton Building
• Tuition waiver request for child of Christina Dawson from South Heart to Dickinson Public
• Personnel changes: transfer of Leighton Ward, resignations of Rebecca Natwick and Lesa Feltz
• Recognitions: FFA district winners, teacher extinguished fire, $2,500 Marathon Oil grant

The School Board approved the start of the procurement process for a CTE Center architect and construction manager. The Board also rated the interim superintendent's performance as satisfactory and approved several policy updates and student enrollments.

• Authorized Request for Qualifications for CTE Center architect and Construction Manager at Risk (5-0)
• Approved sale of unneeded equipment at North Complex/Halliburton Building (Unanimous)
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding for boys' and girls' hockey for 2021-2022 (Unanimous)
• Rated interim superintendent's performance as satisfactory in six areas (5-0)
• Approved open enrollment for two children from South Heart Public (Unanimous)
• Reaffirmed policy BA, School Board Ethics (5-0)
• Approved first reading of policies DCAD, DEAC, FFL, GACE, and IAC (5-0)
• Approved second reading and final adoption of policies ABBE, ACBC, and KADA (5-0)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a procedural workshop where the Dickinson Public Schools board will discuss and build the agenda for the upcoming November 8, 2021 board meeting. No substantive decisions or proposals are on the agenda.

• Board will build the November 8, 2021 board meeting agenda

The Board met to organize the agenda for the upcoming November 8 meeting. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during this workshop; the session focused on reviewing proposed topics for the next board meeting.

Regular School Board Meeting

The board will vote on the amended 2021-2022 budget and certificate of levy, setting 113.70 mills and $17,918,183 in taxes, with $59,417,333.94 in general fund expenditures. Also up for action is a 2% increase in self-funded health insurance premiums for 2022. Informational items include updates on Berg Elementary heating system upgrades, a Cash-Wa contract termination, COVID-19 absences, and reports on RTI, student mobility, CTE Academy, and soccer/softball complex.

• Vote on final budget with $59.4M general fund expenditures and 113.70 mills levy
• Vote to increase health insurance premiums by 2% effective Jan 1, 2022
• Approval of consent agenda covering September minutes, bills, financial reports, personnel changes, and enrollment
• Amended Guaranteed Maximum Price for Berg Elementary heating system upgrade from J.E. Dunn
• Cash-Wa food distributor discontinuing services on Nov 1, 2021; Sysco contract as backup

The Board approved the 2021-2022 budget and certificate of levy, noting a projected deficit of $2.2 million. Other actions included approving health insurance premiums for 2022 and adopting several policy revisions.

• Approved filing of Certificate of Levy for 113.70 total mills and $17,918,183 (5-0)
• Approved 2021-2022 General Fund Expenditures of $59,417,333.94 (5-0)
• Approved 2022 calendar year self-funded health insurance premiums (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of policy revisions ABBE, ACBC, and KADA (5-0)
• Approved final adoption of policy revisions BCAB, FAAA, and FAAD (5-0)
• Appointed Seaks, Schwartz, Orton, and Rodakowski as delegates to the 2021 ND School Boards Association Convention (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This session is a procedural workshop for the Dickinson Public Schools board to organize topics for its October 7, 2021, regular meeting. No policy votes, contracts, or public hearings are scheduled. The board will only review and arrange items for the upcoming agenda.

• Build the October 7, 2021, Board Meeting Agenda

The board held a workshop to build the agenda for the upcoming October 7 meeting. No formal votes were taken; the session consisted of reports on staffing, facility projects, student mobility, and budget proposals.

• Added CTE Academy update to Oct 7 agenda
• Added softball and soccer complex update to Oct 7 agenda

.Budget Public Input Hearing (6:00 p.m.)

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hold a public hearing to present the preliminary 2021-22 budget and receive input from residents. Business Manager Stephanie Hunter will give the budget presentation, followed by a public comment period.

• Budget presentation by Business Manager Stephanie Hunter
• Public comment period for residents to ask questions or make comments on the budget

The Board held a public hearing to review proposed revenue and expenditures for 2021-2022. No substantive decisions were made during this meeting; final budget numbers will be presented at the October Board meeting.

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The board will consider appointing two board members as representatives to the Southwest Area Career and Technology Academy Governance Board, following direction from the North Dakota Attorney General. They will also vote to rescind the previous naming of the two virtual schools as Roughrider K-8 and 9-12 Online Academies and rename them as Virtual Academies. Consent agenda includes routine approvals of minutes, bills, financial reports, personnel changes, and four tuition waiver requests.

• Appointment of two board members to Southwest Area Career and Technology Academy Governance Board for 2021-2022
• Rescind naming of virtual schools and rename as Roughrider K-8 Virtual Academy and Roughrider 9-12 Virtual Academy
• Tuition waiver requests for children of Terese Olheiser, Kristen Jesperson, Naomi Steele, Liza Ficek
• Approval of August 2021 bills and financial reports
• Personnel changes: hires Shawna Freeman, Anastasia Ferguson, Cody Wolf; resignation Brandi Jangula

The School Board approved mechanical and electrical bids for the Berg Elementary boiler and renamed its online academies to virtual academies. The Board also appointed representatives to the SWACTE Academy Governance Board and adopted new virtual learning policies.

• Approved $845,770 bid from City Air Mechanical, Inc. for Berg Elementary boiler mechanical upgrade (5-0)
• Approved $21,400 bid from Magnum Electric, Inc. for Berg Elementary boiler electrical upgrade (5-0)
• Renamed Roughrider K-8 and 9-12 Online Academies to Virtual Academies (5-0)
• Appointed Brent Seaks and Kim Schwartz to the SWACTE Academy Governance Board (5-0)
• Adopted policies ABAC (Virtual Learning Due to Inclement Weather) and FDF (Education of Virtual Students) (5-0)
• Approved DPI Annual Compliance Report for 2021-2022 (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved three open enrollment applications from South Heart and Richardton-Taylor Public (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved first reading of revisions to policies BCAB, FAAA, and FAAD (roll call vote)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting and Budget Public Hearing Agendas

This is a workshop to build the agendas for the September 13 board meeting and budget public hearing. No decisions are made; only the list of items to be discussed at the later meeting is set.

• Building the September 13, 2021, Board Meeting Agenda and Public Input Hearing Agenda

The board held a workshop to organize topics for an upcoming board meeting and budget public input hearing. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during this session.

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider approving the preliminary 2021-2022 budget with general fund expenditures of $58,231,000 and a certificate of levy of 113.70 mills. The consent agenda includes approval of July bills, financial reports, personnel changes, and tuition waivers for five students from other districts. Informational items include fall enrollment of 3,822 students, a School Resource Officer report, and an update on ESSER II and III funding.

• Preliminary 2021-2022 budget: $58,231,000 general fund, $1,596,000 capital projects, $4,271,000 debt service, $1,900,000 food service
• Certificate of levy at 113.70 mills for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022
• Certified personnel hires: Aaron Anderson (CTE Director), Angela Eckelberg, Martha Sifuentes, Jill Clemow; resignations: Evan Wilkie, Joshua Kralicek, Shari Hewson
• Tuition waivers for five students from Richardton-Taylor, McKenzie County, and Belfield districts to attend Dickinson Public Schools
• Informational report on School Resource Officer program from Dickinson Police Sergeant Brandon Stockie

The Board approved a preliminary budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, and set the preliminary Certificate of Levy. They also adopted health and continuity of services plans for the upcoming school year. A public input hearing for the budget is scheduled for September 13, 2021.

• Approved preliminary 2021-2022 budget expenditures totaling $66,000,000 across four funds (4-0)
• Approved preliminary Certificate of Levy at 113.70 mills (4-0)
• Scheduled Budget Public Input Hearing for September 13, 2021
• Approved 2021-2022 Continuity of Services Plan and Health Plan
• Accepted Tri-Energy Cooperative low bids for #1 diesel, #2 diesel, and unleaded gasoline (4-0)
• Approved extracurricular cooperative agreements for girls' hockey and girls' soccer (4-0)
• Approved IDEA VI-B and Consolidated Grant Applications (4-0)
• Adopted revisions to Board Regulations BA-BR2 and BCAB-BR (4-0)

Board Retreat/Workshop

The Dickinson Public Schools Board held a retreat on August 3, 2021 at the Heart River Retreat, 2475 W. Broadway St., Dickinson, ND. The board will call the workshop to order, discuss board governance, and draft the agenda for the regular board meeting on August 9, 2021. The session will then be adjourned.

• Call to Order
• Discussion of Board Governance
• Draft agenda for the August 9, 2021 regular board meeting
• Adjournment

The Board held a workshop focused on board governance, self-evaluation, and the District's Strategic Plan. Members discussed the impact of student enrollment on state aid and budget. The Board requested a follow-up leadership workshop in the spring.

• Requested another Board leadership workshop for the spring

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will meet to consult with an attorney regarding a teacher grievance. This portion of the meeting is scheduled to take place in an executive session.

• Attorney consultation regarding a teacher grievance

The Board convened a special meeting to enter an executive session for attorney consultation regarding a teacher grievance. No substantive decisions or final actions were recorded in the open session.

• Approved motion to enter executive session for Attorney Consultation-Teacher Grievance (4-0)

Annual School Board Meeting Agenda

This annual meeting will elect a new board president and vice president. The board will also vote on a consent agenda including June 2021 bills, personnel changes, tuition waivers, and student/staff recognitions. Discussion topics include an interim superintendent's report on kindergarten pre-registration (333 students) and a self-funded health insurance committee update.

• Election of board president and vice president via voice vote
• Consent agenda includes June 2021 bills, personnel changes (transfers and resignations), and financial report
• Three tuition waiver requests: one from Richardton-Taylor to Dickinson, two from Dickinson to South Heart
• Interim superintendent reports kindergarten pre-registration at 333, down from 400 in Sept 2019
• Recognitions include National TSA awards and Stark County Spirit of Excellence for a student

The Board elected Brent Seaks as president and Kim Schwartz as vice president. Members approved various administrative appointments, designated official bank depositories, and renamed the district's virtual schools. The Board also set aside supplemental funds for at-risk students at two elementary schools.

• Elected Brent Seaks as president and Kim Schwartz as vice president (unanimous)
• Approved $116,439.51 for at-risk students at Jefferson Elementary and $103,102.56 for Lincoln Elementary (unanimous)
• Renamed virtual schools to Roughrider 9-12 Online Academy and Roughrider K-8 Online Academy (5-0)
• Designated American Bank Center/Brevera Bank as official checking depository (unanimous)
• Appointed Dr. Marcus Lewton as authorized representative for the District and federal programs (unanimous)
• Designated Stacy Kilwein as Homeless and Foster Care Liaison (unanimous)
• Approved open enrollment application for a child of Tammy Goldade (unanimous)
• Scheduled regular board meetings for 5:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month (unanimous)

Draft Board Meeting Agenda Workshop

The Dickinson Public Schools Board is holding a workshop to draft the agenda for the July 12, 2021, annual board meeting. The only substantive item is planning that meeting's agenda.

• Draft the July 12, 2021, Annual Board Meeting Agenda

The Board held a workshop to prepare the agenda for the July 12 regular meeting. Members reviewed revenue reports, discussed the 2021-2022 Continuity of Services Plan, and considered potential dates for a Board Retreat.

• Approved minutes from the School Board Workshop to Draft Board Meeting Agenda

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Special School Board Meeting on June 30, 2021, will consider renewing the business manager's work agreement. The recommended action includes a salary increase of $100 per month for Business Manager Stephanie Hunter. The meeting also includes procedural opening and closing items.

• Renew Business Manager's Work Agreement with salary increase of $100 per month

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider approval of consent agenda items including personnel changes, minutes, and financial reports. Action items include voting on the 2021-2022 Administrative Negotiated Agreement with a 1% base increase and the Professional Negotiated Agreement with a $370 base increase. Informational updates from the Adult Learning Center, West Dakota Parent and Family Resource Center, and the 2020-2021 Vehicle Inventory Report will also be presented.

• Approval of consent agenda including certified personnel hires, transfers, and resignations
• 2021-2022 Administrative Negotiated Agreement with 1% base increase
• 2021-2022 Professional Negotiated Agreement with $370 added to base, contingent on DEA ratification
• Informational update from Adult Learning Center (Beth Hurt)
• Informational update from West Dakota Parent and Family Resource Center (Stacy Kilwein)

The Board approved negotiated salary agreements for administrative and professional staff and modified the classified salary package. It also established two virtual schools and created a full-time Career and Technology Education Director position. Additionally, the Board approved several administrative reports and policy revisions.

• Approved 2021-2022 Administrative Negotiated Agreement with 1% base pay increase (5-0)
• Approved 2021-2022 Professional Negotiated Agreement with $370 base increase, pending DEA ratification (5-0)
• Modified 2021-2022 Classified Salary package to 3% experience increase for new employees and removed hiring cutoff (5-0)
• Created Dickinson Online Primary School (K-8) and Dickinson High School Online (9-12) (5-0)
• Approved full-time Career and Technology Education Director position for 2021-2022 (5-0)
• Named Melanie Kathrein and Dr. Marcus Lewton as authorized representatives for ESSER and emergency funding (Unanimous)
• Approved Berg Elementary Title I Schoolwide Plan (Unanimous)
• Approved open enrollment for five children from South Heart Public (Unanimous)

Committee of the Whole Board Workshop

This is a procedural Committee of the Whole Board Workshop. The board will draft the agenda for the June 14, 2021 regular board meeting. No substantive decisions or discussions are on the agenda.

• Drafting of the June 14, 2021 Regular Board Meeting agenda

The Board met to draft the June 14, 2021, meeting agenda and discuss upcoming action items. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during this workshop.

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools board will meet to vote on the 2021-2023 Administrative Negotiated Agreement. The proposed two-year contract includes a 1% base salary increase for both the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years, plus provisions for lane and service movement. The agenda contains only this action item and standard procedural calls to order and adjournment.

• Vote on the 2021-2023 Administrative Negotiated Agreement
• Approval of a 1% base salary increase for the 2021-2022 school year
• Approval of a 1% base salary increase for the 2022-2023 school year
• Inclusion of lane and service movement provisions in the contract
• Meeting location at 444 4th Street West, Dickinson, ND, and via Zoom

Special School Board Meeting

This special board meeting will include closed executive sessions for administrative/teacher negotiations strategy and attorney consultation on a teacher grievance. The board is also scheduled to vote on the 2021-2022 Classified Salary and Benefits Package, which includes an increase percentage to be determined and minor changes to personal leave and position titles.

• Executive session: administrative and teacher negotiations strategy (NDCC 44-04-19.1(9))
• Executive session: attorney consultation on teacher grievance (NDCC 44-04-19.2)
• Action item: 2021-2022 Classified Salary and Benefits Package – roll call vote on salary increase and benefit changes
• Proposed change: employees may convert unused personal leave over 6 days to sick leave or be paid minimum wage
• Renaming one position title and updating board policies/regulations

The Board approved the 2021-2022 Classified Salary and Benefits Package, including a 3% salary increase for classified employees. The meeting also included two executive sessions regarding negotiations strategy and a teacher grievance.

• Approved 3% increase on classified employee salaries (5-0)
• Approved 2021-2022 Classified Salary and Benefits Package effective July 1, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved motion to enter executive session for administrative and teacher negotiations strategy (5-0)
• Approved motion to enter executive session for attorney consultation regarding teacher grievance (4-0, 1 recused)

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board holds a special meeting to interview four candidates for the interim superintendent position. The board will conduct candidate interviews in executive session, then discuss contract negotiations and strategy. After interviews, the board may select and extend an offer to a candidate for the 2021-2022 school year.

• Interview candidates #1, #2, #3, and #4 for interim superintendent (executive session)
• Possible discussion of contract negotiations and strategy (executive session)
• Discussion of interim superintendent selection and potential offer

The School Board interviewed four candidates and discussed contract strategy in executive sessions. The Board ultimately selected Dr. Marcus Lewton for the Interim Superintendent position.

• Selected Dr. Marcus Lewton as Interim Superintendent (5-0)
• Approved starting salary of $175,000 for Dr. Marcus Lewton for the 2021-2022 school year (5-0)

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will open the meeting, allow public comments, and then vote on a consent agenda. The consent agenda bundles the April 12, 2021 regular meeting minutes, several special meeting minutes, April financial and pledged securities reports, personnel change reports, the May enrollment report, a self‑funded health insurance report, tuition waiver agreements for three families, and student/faculty recognitions. A voice vote is recommended for approval.

• Approve consent agenda containing minutes from April 12, 2021 and special meetings on April 20, 27, 29, and May 5
• Review and adopt April 30, 2021 financial and pledged securities reports
• Consider tuition waiver agreements for Krista Brandt, Jessica Caban, and Tara Beston’s children
• Acknowledge student and staff recognitions, including over $25,000 raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• Adopt personnel changes report listing hires, transfers, and resignations effective August 16, 2021

The Board voted to keep mask requirements through the school year, including indoor graduation ceremonies. They also approved the annual audit report and set adult meal prices for the upcoming year.

• Maintained mask mandate through school year and indoor graduation (4-1)
• Approved annual audit report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2020 (5-0)
• Maintained adult meal prices at $2.00 breakfast and $4.20 lunch for 2021-2022 (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with City of Dickinson for 2.25 SROs for 2020-2021 and 3 SROs starting 2021-2022 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole Board Workshop

The Dickinson Public Schools Board of Education holds a Committee of the Whole workshop to prepare for the regular board meeting. Discussions will focus on the interim superintendent interview process and the hiring of a director for the Southwest Area Career and Technology Center. No final votes are expected; this is a planning session.

• Drafting the agenda for the May 10, 2021 regular board meeting
• Discussion of the interim superintendent interview process
• Discussion of the Southwest Area Career and Technology Center director position

The Board reviewed proposed action and informational items for the May 10 regular meeting. Members discussed whether to maintain or remove the district mask mandate for the end of the school year. No formal votes were taken during the workshop.

• Added Teacher Grievance to the May 10 agenda
• Drafted May 10 agenda items including 2020 audit report, mask mandate, and school resource officer contract

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hold a special meeting to consider expending remaining Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) I funds. A roll call vote is recommended to authorize the Business Manager to spend approximately $360,000 from the federal relief program. The agenda lists only this pending action, along with standard opening and closing procedures.

• Vote to authorize expenditure of approximately $360,000 in remaining ESSER I funds
• Roll call vote recommended on the ESSER fund expenditure
• Special board meeting conducted via Zoom webinar

The School Board approved the expenditure of remaining ESSER I funds to provide checks to all district employees during Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week. This action was intended to recognize staff efforts during the COVID-19 school year.

• Authorized Business Manager to expend approximately $360,000 in remaining ESSER I funds for employee checks (5-0)

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Special School Board Meeting on April 27, 2021, will consider a motion to enter executive session under N.D.C.C. § 44-04-19.2 for attorney consultation on a teacher grievance. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Motion to close meeting for Attorney Consultation-Teacher Grievance

The Board voted to enter an executive session to consult with an attorney regarding a teacher grievance. No substantive decisions were recorded in the open session before the meeting adjourned.

• Approved motion to enter executive session for Attorney Consultation-Teacher Grievance (4-0)

Special School Board Meeting

The school board will vote on accepting Superintendent Dr. Shon Hocker's resignation effective June 30, 2021, and discuss the process and timeline for hiring a new superintendent.

• Action item: accept resignation of Dr. Shon Hocker as superintendent effective June 30, 2021
• Discussion: potential process and timeline for superintendent search
• Possible action on superintendent search based on board decision

The Board accepted the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Shon Hocker and initiated a search for an interim replacement. The Board decided to seek letters of interest from internal candidates for the interim role.

• Accepted resignation of Dr. Shon Hocker effective June 30, 2021 (Unanimous voice vote)
• Approved notification for internal candidates to submit letters of interest by 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2021 (5-0)

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools board will consider a consent agenda that includes approval of minutes, bills, financial reports, and certified personnel transfers. They will also hear a superintendent's report on upcoming events and receive informational updates on the Southwest Career and Technical Education Academy, the district audit, and budget development.

• Approval of consent agenda including March 2021 bills and financial reports
• Certified personnel transfers: Dana Price, Audra Galster, Shayna Knebel, Leslie Wilkie, Amy Smith effective August 16, 2021
• Recognition of TSA state winners advancing to nationals (multiple students)
• Jefferson Elementary Read-a-thon raised $11,565, students logged 45,171 reading minutes
• Informational update on Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy (Halliburton property)

The Board approved increasing a high school position to full-time and adding a districtwide school psychologist for the 2021-2022 year. It also recognized the Dickinson Administrative Council as the exclusive representative for negotiations and approved the 2021-2022 student bus fee schedule.

• Approved increasing DHS Family and Consumer Science position to 1.00 FTE and adding a full-time districtwide School Psychologist (5-0)
• Recognized Dickinson Administrative Council as the exclusive representative for negotiations (unanimous)
• Approved 2021-2022 student bus fee schedule (unanimous)
• Extended Families First Coronavirus Response Act Employee Paid Leave benefits through September 30, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved open enrollment application for a child of Elizabeth Kuelbs (unanimous)
• Approved early resignation benefits for Lee Johnson, Deloris Krenz, and Kim Rhines (unanimous)
• Adopted Board Regulation HCAA-BR regarding criteria for evaluating informal bids or proposals (5-0)
• Adopted revisions to Board Regulation ABBA-BR regarding tobacco-free policy violations (5-0)

Committee of the Whole Board Workshop

This board workshop is a procedural meeting to draft the agenda for the upcoming regular board meeting on April 12, 2021. No substantive decisions, policy changes, or financial items are on the table.

• Draft the April 12, 2021, Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Board met to draft the agenda for the April 12, 2021, regular meeting. The session focused on identifying proposed reports, informational topics, and items requiring board action. No final votes or decisions were recorded during this workshop.

• Proposed action items for April 12 agenda: Budget Input and Development Committee recommendations, Dickinson Administrative Council Petition for Recognition, and Early Resignation Benefit
• Discussed 2021-2022 Student Bus Fee Schedule and Families First Corona Response Act (FFCRA) for the upcoming agenda

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Special School Board Meeting on March 26, 2021, will consider entering executive session to discuss an attorney consultation regarding a teacher grievance. No other substantive business is on the agenda.

• Executive session under N.D.C.C. § 44-04-19.2 for attorney consultation on a teacher grievance

The Board convened a special meeting to enter an executive session for attorney consultation regarding a teacher grievance. No substantive decisions were made in open session.

• Approved motion to enter executive session for Attorney Consultation-Teacher Grievance (4-0)

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hold a special meeting to vote on entering executive session for attorney consultation regarding a teacher grievance. The agenda otherwise consists of procedural items (call to order and adjournment).

• Vote to close the meeting under N.D.C.C. § 44-04-19.2 for attorney consultation on a teacher grievance

The Board convened a special meeting to enter an executive session for attorney consultation regarding a teacher grievance. No final actions or decisions were recorded in the open session.

• Approved motion to enter executive session for attorney consultation on teacher grievance (4-0)

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Special School Board will consider a resolution authorizing the issuance of General Obligation School Building Refunding Bonds Taxable Series 2021. A roll call vote is required; the recommended motion is to award the bonds to Piper Sandler & Co. Public participation is open before the vote.

• Resolution Authorizing Issuance of General Obligation School Building Refunding Bonds Taxable Series 2021, with recommended award to Piper Sandler & Co.

The Board approved a resolution to refinance existing school building bonds to take advantage of lower interest rates. This action is expected to reduce the District's debt burden by approximately $419,209 over the next 12 years.

• Approved resolution awarding General Obligation School Building Refunding Bonds Taxable Series 2021 to Piper Sandler & Co. (5-0)

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will vote on a consent agenda covering minutes, bills, financial reports, personnel changes, and student recognitions. Superintendent will report that approximately 230 kindergarteners pre-registered for 2021-22. Principal reports from Jefferson Elementary are also on the agenda.

• Approval of consent agenda including classified and certified personnel changes (11 hires, 7 resignations, 2 transfers)
• Superintendent's report: about 230 kindergarten pre-registrations for 2021-22
• 1 student (Tristan Orton) selected for ND Superintendent's Student Cabinet
• DHS girls gymnastics wins sixth straight state team title; DHS wrestling team finishes 6th with one state champion
• Roughrider Area Career and Technology Center director's report provided

Committee of the Whole Board Workshop

This meeting is a Committee of the Whole Board Workshop, where board members will discuss and draft the agenda for the upcoming regular board meeting on March 8, 2021. No final decisions or substantive actions are anticipated; the session is procedural in nature.

• Draft the March 8, 2021, Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Board reviewed proposed informational and action items for the upcoming March 8 meeting. No formal votes or final decisions were made during this workshop.

• Proposed $6.5 million resolution for general obligation school building fund bonds for the March 8 agenda
• Proposed consideration of Dickinson Education Association petition for recognition and representation for the March 8 agenda
• Proposed appointment of two representatives to the CTE Governance Board for the March 8 agenda
• Proposed review of open enrollment applications for fall 2021 for the March 8 agenda
• Proposed approval of classified and certified early resignation notifications for the March 8 agenda
• Proposed review of Superintendent Hocker's evaluation for the March 8 agenda
• Proposed policy reaffirmation with a new descriptor code for the March 8 agenda
• Proposed moving the April board meeting date and scheduling a mid-March special meeting for the March 8 agenda

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board is holding a special meeting to vote on two resolutions. The first authorizes the sale of approximately $8,515,000 in General Obligation School Building Refunding Bonds, Taxable Series 2021. The second authorizes participation in the School District Bonds Credit Enhancement Program. Both motions require a roll call vote.

• Resolution for sale of $8,515,000 General Obligation School Building Refunding Bonds, Taxable Series 2021
• Resolution authorizing participation in School District Bonds Credit Enhancement Program
• Both actions require a roll call vote
• Special meeting at 11:50 a.m. Mountain time
• Location: Professional Learning Lab, 266 Third Avenue West, Dickinson, ND

The Board approved a resolution to refund General Obligation School Building Refunding Bonds to reduce the interest rate from 3.5% to 1.5%. This action is expected to save the District approximately $514,000. The Board also authorized participation in the state's School Bond Credit Enhancement Program.

• Approved Sale of General Obligation School Building Refunding Bonds, Taxable Series 2021 for approximately $8,515,000 (5-0)
• Approved participation in the School District Bonds Credit Enhancement Program (5-0)

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Special School Board Meeting on February 23, 2021, will hold one action item: an executive session to consult with an attorney regarding a teacher grievance. The board will vote to close the meeting under state law for this discussion. No other business is scheduled beyond procedural items.

• Executive session for attorney consultation on a teacher grievance (N.D.C.C. § 44-04-19.2)

The Board held a special meeting to conduct an executive session regarding a teacher grievance. No final actions or decisions were recorded in the open session before adjournment.

• Approved motion to enter executive session for Attorney Consultation-Teacher Grievance (4-0, 1 recused)

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will vote on amending the 2020-2021 General Funds Expenditure Budget to $57,121,787.50, adding $1,050,928 in federal COVID grant funds. The board will also vote on approving early resignation benefits for six certified employees. Informational reports include the Regional After School Program, elementary school principal updates, the Self-Funded Health Insurance Committee, and a legislative update on HB 1431 (proposed $15M for a CTE center).

• Amendment to increase General Funds Expenditure Budget by $1,050,928 (COVID grant funds)
• Early resignation benefits for Sadie Conrad, Beth Mink, Elizabeth Olheiser, Mary Ann Reisenauer, Dawn Sipma, and Paula Loegering
• Update on HB 1431, which would provide $15M for a Career and Technology Center in Dickinson
• Enrollment report: 344 full-time distance learners; 90 students switched from distance to face-to-face since January
• December Self-funded Health Insurance report and committee update

The Board approved an increase to the General Funds Expenditure Budget to account for COVID-restricted federal funding. Other actions included approving early resignation benefits for six instructors and the creation of virtual schools for the 2021-2022 year.

• Increased General Funds Expenditure Budget to $57,121,787.50 (5-0)
• Approved early resignation benefits for Sadie Conrad, Beth Mink, Elizabeth Olheiser, Mary Ann Reisenauer, Dawn Sipma, and Paula Loegering (unanimous)
• Approved creation of K-5 and 6-12 virtual schools for 2021-2022 school year pending legislative approval (unanimous)
• Rescinded Board regulation KBA-BR1, Relations with the News Media Regulation (5-0)
• Approved final adoption of revisions to policy AACA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Policy (5-0)

Committee of the Whole Board Workshop

This is a procedural workshop meeting where the board will draft the agenda for the upcoming regular board meeting on February 8, 2021. No substantive decisions are expected.

• Draft the February 8, 2021, Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Board met to discuss proposed informational topics for the February 8 meeting, including legislative bills and online learning. No formal votes were taken on policy or personnel matters during this workshop.

• Suggested holding the February 8 Board meeting face-to-face at the Professional Learning Lab

Special School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools School Board will consider and vote on a grievance filed by 25 teachers from Dickinson High School. The board interviewed teacher representatives at a prior meeting and will now take action via a roll call vote on a motion. The agenda does not specify the nature of the grievance or the terms of the motion.

• Roll call vote on a teacher grievance from 25 Dickinson High School teachers
• Motion text is not specified in agenda
• Attachments: Board Letter 1-20-2021 and DHS Admin grievance rebuttal
• Meeting held via Zoom due to remote participation
• Procedural items: call to order and adjournment

The School Board considered a grievance from 25 Dickinson High School teachers regarding contract violations and compensation for teaching online classes. Following a discussion on contract hour interpretations and salary increases, the Board voted to deny the grievance.

• Denied teacher grievance regarding online class compensation (0-4)

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The board will hear a grievance from 25 Dickinson High School teachers regarding online class delivery. It will also vote on transitioning from hybrid to full in-person instruction starting January 19, 2021. The consent agenda includes routine approvals of minutes, bills, personnel changes, and recognitions, as well as a tuition waiver.

• Grievance hearing for 25 DHS teachers over online class delivery
• Vote on moving from hybrid to face-to-face instruction starting Jan 19
• Resignation of Kelly Kussy, Heart River PE teacher, effective May 27, 2021
• Tuition waiver for child of Lane Brengle from South Heart to Dickinson Public
• Recognitions: FFA scholarships, Science Club Envirothon win, and Family Fare $100 gift card donation

The Board held a regular meeting via Zoom to review a grievance from 25 Dickinson High School teachers seeking monetary compensation for online teaching duties. The Board approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda. No final decision was recorded on the grievance payment request.

• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole Board Workshop

This is a procedural workshop where the Dickinson Public Schools Board of Education will draft the agenda for the upcoming regular board meeting on January 11, 2021. The board will then adjourn.

• Drafting the agenda for the January 11, 2021 Regular Board Meeting

The Board workshop focused on drafting the agenda for the January 11, 2021, regular meeting. No formal votes were taken on policy or spending, but members recommended meeting via Zoom. Topics slated for the next meeting include a teacher grievance, pandemic instruction modes, and the 2021-2022 school calendar.

• Recommended January 11 Board meeting be held via Zoom