Dickinson Public Schools public meetings in 2022

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider approving up to three additional certified instructor positions for the 2023-2024 school year to accommodate projected enrollment growth. The consent agenda includes routine approvals of minutes, bills, financial reports, personnel changes (including two resignations), a tuition waiver, and updates on the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy, which has raised approximately $16 million and received a $436,000 workforce grant. Informational items include a review of NWEA reading data tied to the board's goal of increasing third-grade reading proficiency from 42% to 55% by spring 2027.

• Action item: Approving up to three additional certified instructors for 2023-2024 school year
• Consent agenda includes resignations of Brandi Jangula (ELA, .5 years) and Danielle Kappel (Library Media Specialist, 7.5 years)
• Southwest Area CTE Academy: $16 million raised, $436,000 ND Regional Workforce Impact Grant received, construction of Buildings B & C moving forward
• Tuition waiver request for child of Leah Upchurch from Dickinson Public to New England Public
• Informational: Review of NWEA reading data for first and second graders related to Board Goal 1

The Board approved the purchase of a new 71-passenger bus and the hiring of up to three additional certified instructors for the 2023-2024 school year. Other actions included approving a stakeholder perception survey and recognizing the Dickinson Education Association as a negotiating unit.

• Approved hiring up to 3 additional certified instructors for 2023-2024 (4-0)
• Approved $112,275.00 purchase of one 71-passenger bus from Harlow’s Bus Sales (4-0)
• Approved $10,000.00 contract with School Perception Survey for stakeholder data (4-0)
• Approved Supplemental Resolution for Reissued General Obligation School Building Bond, Series 2016B (4-0)
• Recognized Dickinson Education Association as the appropriate negotiating unit (Voice vote)
• Authorized destruction of old school records (Voice vote)
• Reaffirmed Board policy BDBB, Retaining an Attorney (4-0)
• Rescinded Board policy GCBC, Curricular Performances and Grading (4-0)

*Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider awarding construction bids for Building B and Building C of the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy. Four options are presented, ranging from Building B alone to Building B plus Building C with various alternates, with costs contingent on federal Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund funding. The board will take roll-call votes on awarding general, mechanical, and electrical contractor bids.

• General contractor low bid: Tooz Construction, base bid $2,147,147 for Building B alone
• Mechanical contractor low bid: Central Mechanical, base bid $2,289,900 for Building B alone
• Electrical contractor low bid: Magnum Electric, base bid $1,383,364 for Building B alone
• Options include adding Building C and alternates (west/east portions and greenhouse), with costs up to $3,830,592 (general) plus 15% contingency
• Building C and alternates contingent on federal Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund

The Board unanimously approved three lowest responsible bids for the construction of Building B at the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy. The board did not award bids for Building C or its alternates due to pending federal funding.

• Awarded general contractor bid for Building B to Tooz Construction for $2,147,147.00 plus 15% contingency (5-0)
• Awarded mechanical contractor bid for Building B to Central Mechanical for $2,289,900.00 plus 15% contingency (5-0)
• Awarded electrical contractor bid for Building B to Magnum Electric for $1,383,364.00 plus 15% contingency (5-0)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a procedural workshop where the board will build the agenda for the December 12 regular board meeting. No substantive decisions or discussions are scheduled. The meeting consists of call to order, agenda building, and adjournment.

• Build the December 12, 2022, Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The board held a workshop to build the upcoming meeting agenda. No formal votes were taken; the session consisted of discussions on staffing, bond resolutions, and student enrollment.

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider approving a consent agenda that includes minutes, October bills, financial and enrollment reports, personnel changes, health insurance reports, and a cooperative agreement with South Heart Public Schools for boys' soccer and swimming. The board will also vote on renewing a Memorandum of Understanding with Dickinson Youth Activities for boys' and girls' hockey. Informational items include an annual report on the Roughrider Area Career and Technology Center and DIBELS reading assessment data for second and third graders.

• Cooperative agreement with South Heart Public Schools for boys' soccer and boys' swimming for 2023-2024
• Memorandum of Understanding renewal with Dickinson Youth Activities for boys' and girls' hockey for 2022-2023
• Approval of October 2022 bills and financial report as of October 31, 2022
• Construction update on Southwest Area CTE Academy, with $3.33 million federal grant still pending
• Recognitions: educator grants from Marathon Oil and board member service awards from NDSBA

The Board unanimously approved the superintendent's satisfactory performance evaluation and a Memorandum of Understanding for boys' and girls' hockey. Other actions included approving open enrollment for three students and updating board policies.

• Approved Memorandum of Understanding for boys' and girls' hockey for 2022-2023 (unanimous)
• Rated Superintendent Dr. Lewton's performance as satisfactory in all six areas (5-0)
• Approved open enrollment for three children of Martha Nunez (unanimous)
• Reaffirmed Board policy BDAB, Savings Clause (5-0)
• Rescinded Board policy GCBC, Curricular Performances and Grading for first reading (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including Oct 6 and Nov 8 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a procedural workshop where the Dickinson Public Schools board will build the agenda for the regular board meeting scheduled for November 14, 2022. No substantive decisions or discussions are on the agenda; the only action is to organize the upcoming meeting's items.

• Build the November 14, 2022, regular board meeting agenda

The board met to determine topics for the upcoming November 14 meeting. No formal votes or policy decisions were made during this workshop.

• Proposed November 14 agenda items: RASP audit, food service audit, elementary open positions, English Learners numbers, Gifted and Talented Program, and facilities survey
• Proposed November 14 agenda items: RACTC annual report, Board goals, and policy reviews
• Proposed starting the hiring process at an earlier date

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider a consent agenda that includes approval of September bills, financial reports, personnel changes, a tuition waiver, and routine reports. Informational presentations cover NWEA math proficiency goals for grades 5-7, a summer building and grounds update, student mobility data, the soccer and softball complex progress, and the superintendent's formative evaluation. No major votes are scheduled beyond the consent agenda.

• Consent agenda includes approval of $0 in bills (no amount specified) and financial reports for September 30, 2022.
• Personnel changes: hire of Sandra Ledbetter as ELL teacher at DMS (effective date TBD) and resignation of Danielle Sheridan as special education teacher at Prairie Rose (effective 9/9/2022).
• Tuition waiver agreement for child of Andrea Kinsey from Richardton-Taylor to Dickinson Public Schools.
• Informational review of NWEA MAP math proficiency goals: 5th grade from 55% to 77%, 6th from 60% to 82%, 7th from 68% to 90% by Spring 2027.
• Construction update: SWACTEA Building A on schedule for December 2022 completion; soccer and softball complex progress photos to be presented.

The board met for a workshop to plan the November 14, 2022, meeting agenda. No formal votes or policy decisions were made during this session.

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a procedural workshop for the Dickinson Public Schools Board to build the agenda for the upcoming regular board meeting on October 6, 2022. No decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Call to Order by Board President Orton
• Build the October 6, 2022 Regular Board Meeting Agenda (procedural)
• Adjournment

The Board met to review reports and build the agenda for the upcoming October 6 meeting. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during this workshop.

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The board will consider a consent agenda approving minutes, bills, financial reports, personnel changes, and tuition waivers. They will also hear a report on the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy, where construction on Building A is set to begin with bids awarded to Roers Construction, Central Mechanical and Electric Sales.

• Construction award for CTE Academy Building A at North Campus to Roers Construction, Central Mechanical and Electric Sales
• Tuition waiver requests for children moving between Dickinson Public and other districts
• Personnel changes: new hire Rene Heredia-Nieves (Tech & Engineering at DHS), transfer of Randy Cranston to Assistant Principal, resignation of Dane Harris
• Enrollment report showing K-5 at 1,934, DMS at 842, DHS at 1,042 for September 2022
• Long-range facility planning meeting scheduled for September 19, 2022

The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Dickinson for three school resource officers for the 2022-2023 school year. Members also approved the DPI Annual Compliance Report and updated policies regarding volunteers and employee-student boundaries.

• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with City of Dickinson for three School Resource Officers (unanimous)
• Approved Department of Public Instruction Annual Compliance Report for 2022-2023 (unanimous)
• Reaffirmed Board policy BCBB, News Coverage of Board Meetings (5-0)
• Approved first reading of revisions to policy KAAB, Volunteers in the Schools (5-0)
• Approved second reading and final adoption of revisions to policy DEBD, Maintaining Professional Employee-Student Boundaries (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda and meeting agenda (unanimous)

Budget Public Input Hearing

The Dickinson Public Schools Board is holding a public hearing to present the preliminary 2022-2023 budget and receive public comments. Business Manager Stephanie Hunter will give a presentation, followed by an opportunity for audience members to ask questions and make comments.

• Budget presentation by Business Manager Stephanie Hunter
• Public participation for questions and comments on the budget
• Procedural items: call to order and adjournment

The Board held a public hearing to review the preliminary budget and mill levy. The District will maintain a total levy of 113.7 mills, though it will shift 4 mills from the miscellaneous fund to the sinking and interest fund. No public comments were received.

• Maintained total mill levy at 113.7
• Kept general fund levy at 70 mills
• Reduced miscellaneous fund levy from 12 mills to 8 mills
• Increased sinking and interest fund levy by 4 mills
• Kept building fund levy at 10 mills

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting and Budget Public Hearing Agendas

This is a procedural workshop for Dickinson Public Schools board members to build the agendas for the September 12, 2022, public input hearing and board meeting. No decisions or substantive discussions are scheduled; the session is limited to agenda-setting and adjournment.

• Build the September 12, 2022, Public Input Hearing and Board Meeting Agendas (procedural)

The Board held a workshop to review proposed budget data and agenda items for upcoming meetings. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during this session.

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Special Board Meeting will consider awarding construction bids for Building A of the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy. Bids received on August 11, 2022, include general contractor Roers Construction ($206,500 base, $235,390 with alt), mechanical contractor Central Mechanical ($155,900), and electrical contractor Electrical Sales & Service ($205,366 base, $219,816 with alt). Total project cost for bids is $611,106. The board will vote on roll call motions to accept the lowest responsible bids.

• General contractor bid from Roers Construction: base $206,500, with alt G1 $235,390
• Mechanical contractor bid from Central Mechanical: $155,900
• Electrical contractor bid from Electrical Sales & Service: base $205,366, with alt E1 $219,816
• Total construction bids: $611,106 (excluding architect and contingency fees)
• Bid opening August 11, 2022; roll call votes required for each motion

The Board unanimously approved the lowest responsible bids for general, mechanical, and electrical contracting for the remodel of Building A at the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy. Funding for the construction is provided by a state grant.

• Approved general contractor bid from Roers Construction for $235,390 plus a 15% contingency of $35,308 (5-0)
• Approved mechanical contractor bid from Central Mechanical for $155,900 plus a 15% contingency of $23,385 (5-0)
• Approved electrical contractor bid from Electric Sales & Service for $219,816 plus a 15% contingency of $32,972 (5-0)

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The school board will vote on a consent agenda covering July bills, financial reports, personnel changes, tuition waivers, and updates on the Southwest Area CTE Academy. Informational items include the School Resource Officer annual report, Lincoln Elementary STEM Center, and board goals for reading and math proficiency.

• Approval of July 2022 bills and financial reports for June and July 2022
• Personnel changes including hires of Leslie Gardner, Andrea Trump, Julianne Skaff and resignations of Abigail Oase, Rebecca Bautz, Paula Williams
• Tuition waiver requests for a child of Brandi Martin to Belfield Public and two children of Maria Kolling to Richardton-Taylor Public
• Southwest Area CTE Academy construction progress with Building A bid opening planned for August 11, 2022
• Fall kindergarten registration numbers down to 310 from 355 in 2021, busing numbers up to 662 from 590

The School Board approved the preliminary budget expenditures and a Certificate of Levy for 113.70 mills. The board also authorized the purchase of two school buses and fuel contracts with Tri-Energy Cooperative. Several board policies and regulations were reaffirmed or adopted.

• Approved preliminary 2022-2023 budget expenditures (4-0)
• Approved preliminary Certificate of Levy for 113.70 mills (4-0)
• Scheduled Budget Public Input Hearing for Sept. 12, 2022 (voice vote)
• Accepted bid from Harlow's Bus Sales for two buses totaling $227,770 and a $1,500 trade-in (4-0)
• Accepted fuel bids from Tri-Energy Cooperative for diesel and unleaded gasoline (4-0)
• Reaffirmed Board Regulation BCBA-BR, Rules of Decorum at Board Meetings (4-0)
• Reaffirmed Board policies BCBA and FG (4-0)
• Adopted policy IAD, Disposal of School Real Estate (4-0)

Board Retreat/Workshop

The Dickinson Public Schools Board held a retreat/workshop on August 4, 2022 at the Dickinson Middle School Library. The board reviewed a consolidated construction presentation, including the Dickinson Capital Maintenance Presentation and Plan, and a presentation by RSP & Associates. They also prepared the agenda for the regular board meeting scheduled for August 8, 2022. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

• Consolidated Construction Presentation – Dickinson Capital Maintenance Presentation and Plan
• RSP & Associates Presentation – Dickinson EA 2122_Update
• Build agenda for the August 8, 2022 regular board meeting

The Board held a workshop to review a capital maintenance plan and enrollment demographics. No formal votes were taken; the session focused on facility deterioration, projected school overcrowding, and budget deficits.

• Discussed Consolidated Construction report estimating $2.89M in high school repairs within two years and $28M over ten years
• Reviewed RSP & Associates report projecting elementary schools will be out of space by 2026-2027
• Discussed potential solutions for high school capacity including additions, remodeling, or a new building
• Discussed micro-adjustments to elementary attendance zones to manage capacity
• Reviewed general fund deficit of $653,592 for the 2021-2022 ending balance

School Board Workshop

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hold a workshop to discuss superintendent and board guardrails related to board achievement goals. A consultant from Elliott and McMahon, LLC will address the board. No formal decisions are scheduled; the meeting is primarily for discussion.

• Presentation by Laurie Elliott on superintendent and board guardrails for achievement goals

The Board held a workshop to discuss the implementation of guardrails used to monitor adult behavior impacting student achievement goals. The session focused on third-grade reading targets, state standards, and the role of the superintendent in tracking progress.

Annual School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will open the meeting, allow public comments, and conduct a voice vote to elect a new president and vice‑president. It will then consider a consent agenda that includes minutes from recent meetings, June bills, financial and personnel reports, and various recognitions. The board will also approve the agenda, hear the superintendent’s report on kindergarten pre‑registration and busing incentive numbers, and discuss progress toward reading, math and college‑readiness goals.

• Election of new president and vice‑president (voice vote)
• Approval of consent agenda items: minutes, June bills, financial report, personnel changes, recognitions
• Superintendent’s report: kindergarten pre‑registration 280 students; busing incentive 325 in‑town, 106 rural
• Discussion of school board goals for third‑grade reading, eighth‑grade math, and choice‑ready percentage
• Roll‑call vote on board members’ statements of interests

The Board elected Michelle Orton as president and Kim Schwartz as vice president. The Board also approved the consent agenda and designated several staff members as authorized representatives for district programs and grants.

• Elected Michelle Orton as Board President (Unanimous)
• Elected Kim Schwartz as Board Vice President (Unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including June 27 and July 6 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented (Unanimous)
• Authorized Michelle Orton, Jason Rodakowski, David Wilkie, Brent Seaks, and Kim Schwartz to vote on identified potential conflicts (4-0-1 each)
• Named Superintendent Dr. Marcus Lewton and Director Melanie Kathrein as authorized representatives for various state and federal programs (Unanimous)
• Named Kim Schwartz and Brent Seaks as representatives on the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy Governance Board (Unanimous)
• Designated Sheri Twist (Special Education), Keith Harris (CCLC Program), and Stacy Kilwein (Homeless and Foster Care Liaison) as authorized representatives (Unanimous)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a procedural workshop where the Dickinson Public Schools board will build the agenda for the upcoming July 11 annual board meeting. No substantive decisions or discussions are on the agenda.

• Build the July 11, 2022, Annual Board Meeting Agenda

The Board met to build the agenda for the July 11, 2022, annual meeting. No formal votes were taken during this workshop. The session focused on planning upcoming appointments and policy reviews.

• Proposed agenda items for July 11: designating authorized representatives for programs and governing boards
• Proposed agenda items for July 11: appointing Board members to committees
• Proposed agenda items for July 11: identifying regular monthly meeting dates
• Proposed agenda items for July 11: designating an official newspaper
• Proposed agenda items for July 11: allocating supplemental funds for the Title I Look-A-Like Program
• Proposed agenda items for July 11: scheduling a Board retreat
• Proposed agenda items for July 11: considering two policies for Board action

State Mandated Planning

The Dickinson Public Schools Board is conducting a state-mandated planning session to discuss how demographic changes may affect the district over the next 3–5 years. The meeting includes a PowerPoint presentation by administrators and an opportunity for public input as required by North Dakota Century Code 15.1-07-26.

• PowerPoint presentation on demographic effects by Superintendent Marcus Lewton, Assistant Superintendent Keith Harris, and Business Manager Stephanie Hunter
• Public input period for residents to address demographic planning
• Meeting held at Professional Learning Lab, 266 Third Avenue West, Dickinson, ND

The board held a public input hearing to review district profiles, financial data, and facility capacity. No substantive decisions were made or voted upon during the meeting, and no members of the public attended to provide input.

*Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will approve the consent agenda, including minutes, financial reports, and personnel changes. A key discussion item is the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy update, detailing $1.9 million in recent donations and a construction timeline targeting August start for Building A. The board will also recognize students and staff for achievements.

• Southwest Area CTE Academy update: $1.9M in grant/donation commitments, construction bids for Building A expected in two weeks
• Personnel changes: 8 certified hires, 8 transfers/reassignments, and 7 resignations effective for the 2022-23 school year
• Approval of consent agenda including May financial reports, pledged securities report, and self-funded health insurance report
• Recognitions: National History Day state qualifiers, All-WDA athletes, and national awards for the Communications Department
• Bills for May 2022 to be approved as part of consent agenda

The Board officially recognized the election of three board members to four-year terms. The Board also approved the 2022-2023 work agreement for Business Manager Stephanie Hunter, including a salary increase. Other approvals included the middle school student handbook and federal grant applications.

• Recognized Michelle Orton, Kimberly L. Schwartz, and Jason Rodakowski as elected board members (5-0)
• Approved 2022-2023 work agreement for Business Manager Stephanie Hunter with a $0.50 per hour salary increase (5-0)
• Approved 2022-2023 Dickinson Middle School Student Handbook (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved 2022-2023 Consolidated Grant Application for Title I, Title IIA, and Title IVA (unanimous voice vote)
• Reaffirmed Board policy BCAC, Minutes with no revisions (5-0)
• Approved 2021-2022 Student Average Daily Membership Report (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved 2021-2022 Transportation Routes Report (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved open enrollment application for a child of Gabriel Franco (unanimous voice vote)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agendas

The Dickinson Public Schools Board held a workshop to develop the agenda for its June 27, 2022 meeting and to address required state planning items. Board President Seaks opened the session, and participants will draft agenda items and procedural matters. The workshop concluded with adjournment.

• Call to Order by Board President Seaks
• Draft agenda for June 27, 2022 board meeting and state‑mandated planning
• Adjournment

The Board met to build the agenda for the June 27 meeting and discussed state mandated planning. The Board received updates on the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy remodeling process and reviewed student outcome goals. No formal votes were recorded during the workshop.

• Proposed August 4 for a half-day Board retreat
• Proposed July 6 at noon to build the July 11 Annual School Board Meeting agenda
• Identified three North Campus buildings for repurposing for the CTE Academy with estimated costs between $11.5-12.4 million

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Special School Board Meeting on June 15, 2022, will consider approving the 2022-2023 Professional Negotiated Agreement. The one-year agreement includes a 0% increase to the base salary, a reduction to the salary index, and the addition of Step 16 to the salary schedule. A roll-call vote is recommended for approval.

• Vote on 2022-2023 Professional Negotiated Agreement with 0% base increase
• Reduction of salary index by 0.0125, transitioning to 0.015 on June 30, 2023
• Addition of Step 16 to the salary schedule
• Agreement contingent on ratification by Dickinson Education Association

The Board approved the 2022-2023 Professional Negotiated Agreement, contingent upon ratification by the Dickinson Education Association. The agreement includes a 0% increase to base, lanes, and service movement, and the addition of Step 16 to the salary schedule.

• Approved 2022-2023 Professional Negotiated Agreement (4-0)

Special School Board Meeting

The board will hear an update on teacher negotiations and may take action on the 2022-2023 Professional Negotiated Agreement. An executive session is scheduled to discuss negotiation strategy.

• Update on 2022-2023 teacher negotiations
• Possible action on 2022-2023 Professional Negotiated Agreement
• Executive session for teacher negotiations strategy

The Board noted that the Dickinson Education Association did not ratify the tentative 2022-2023 Professional Negotiated Agreement. Following an executive session, the Board authorized the negotiations committee to make a final offer and proceed to impasse.

• Approved allowing President Brent Seaks to participate and vote in negotiations (3-0)
• Approved entering executive session to discuss teacher negotiations strategy (4-0)
• Authorized Teacher Negotiations Committee to make a final offer, waive mediation, and go to impasse (4-0)

Special School Board Meeting

At this special meeting, the Dickinson School Board will vote on adding up to four elementary certified instructors for the 2022-2023 school year due to projected enrollment growth. The board will also consider approving the 2022-2023 Administrative Negotiated Agreement with a 0.10% salary increase and the Classified Salary and Benefits Package, which includes a $0.50/hour raise for current classified staff and a $0.25/hour increase to the base wage scale. An executive session is planned for teacher negotiations strategy.

• Consider approving up to four additional elementary certified instructors for 2022-2023
• Approve 2022-2023 Administrative Negotiated Agreement with 0.10% salary increase
• Approve 2022-2023 Classified Salary and Benefits Package: $0.50/hour raise for current employees, $0.25/hour base wage increase, and paraprofessional reclassification
• Executive session for teacher negotiations strategy under NDCC 44-04-19.1(9)

The Board approved the hiring of up to four additional elementary certified instructors for the 2022-2023 school year. It also approved the Administrative Negotiated Agreement and a salary and benefits package for classified staff. A discussion on teacher negotiations strategy was tabled.

• Approved hiring up to four additional elementary certified positions for 2022-2023 (4-0)
• Approved 2022-2023 Administrative Negotiated Agreement including .10% paid by District on base, education, and service movement (4-0)
• Approved $.50 per hour salary increase for classified employees as of June 30, 2022 (4-0)
• Approved $.25 per hour increase to base classified wage scale (4-0)
• Approved 2022-2023 Classified Salary and Benefits Package effective July 1, 2022 (4-0)
• Tabled Teacher Negotiations Strategy

Regular School Board Meeting

The board will vote on a consent agenda that includes minutes, financial reports, personnel changes, a tuition waiver, and school board goals. A key update covers progress on the three SW CTE Buildings, with a potential split of construction bids to accelerate the health careers program. The board also will recognize SkillsUSA state winners and U.S. Presidential Scholars semifinalists.

• Approval of consent agenda with minutes, bills, financial reports, and pledged securities report for April 2022
• Personnel changes: hires Jonathan Skaare (DHS Day Treatment) and Shelle Rostad (DW Process Facilitator), transfers, resignations of Amanda Adamson and Lallaine Hauser
• Tuition waiver agreement for a child of Dawn Carson from McKenzie County School District to Dickinson Public
• CTE Academy update: final design phase, possible split of bids for Building A in late June to create space for health careers program
• School Board Goals progress: monitoring kindergarten class sizes, opening an 8th grade math position, hiring a Community Outreach Coordinator for career exploration

The Board approved student and adult meal prices for fall 2022 and awarded the Nutrition Services Prime Vendor bid to Sysco North Dakota. Other actions included approving a soccer MOU, updating board policies on vacancies and suicide prevention, and dissolving one open enrollment.

• Awarded 2022-2023 Nutrition Services Prime Vendor bid to Sysco North Dakota (Unanimous)
• Approved K-12 breakfast ($2.00) and lunch prices ranging from $3.15 to $3.95 for fall 2022 (5-0)
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Dickinson Soccer Club for 2022-2023 (Unanimous)
• Reaffirmed Board policy BBC regarding Method of Filling a Board Vacancy (5-0)
• Reaffirmed Board regulation BBC regarding Procedure for Selecting Appointee (5-0)
• Approved revisions to Board policy FCAE on Suicide Prevention (5-0)
• Dissolved open enrollment for a child of Amanda Adamson from Richardton-Taylor Public School District (Unanimous)
• Scheduled Annual School Board Meeting for July 11, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. (5-0)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

Dickinson Public Schools held a workshop on April 29, 2022 to develop the agenda for its May 9, 2022 board meeting. The session included a call to order, a discussion to build the agenda, and an adjournment. No decisions or votes were recorded.

• Develop agenda for May 9, 2022 board meeting

The Board met to determine topics for the May 9, 2022, meeting. No formal votes or policy decisions were made during this workshop. The session focused on scheduling reports and reviewing upcoming agenda items.

• Proposed May 9 agenda items: year-end Wellness Report, Summer Building Projects Report, and 2022-2023 meal prices
• Proposed May 9 agenda items: administrator and teacher negotiations update and soccer Memorandum of Understanding
• Proposed May 9 agenda items: policy revisions and 2022-2023 student handbooks review
• Proposed May 9 agenda item: scheduling the Board's annual July meeting
• Planned for Superintendent Lewton to report Kinder Kickoff participation at the May 9 meeting

School Board Leadership Workshop

The Dickinson Public Schools Board is holding a leadership workshop covering five training modules: board vision and student outcome goals, monitoring and accountability, systems and process, advocacy and engagement, and unity and trust. This is a training session, not a regular business meeting; no votes or decisions are expected.

• Board Vision and Student Outcome Goals training
• Board Monitoring and Accountability training
• Board Systems and Process training
• Board Advocacy and Engagement training
• Board Unity and Trust training

The Dickinson Public School Board participated in a leadership training workshop provided by the Tenet Leadership Institute. The session focused on state goals, local data analysis, and implementation steps. No formal board actions or votes were recorded.

School Board Leadership Workshop

The Dickinson Public Schools School Board convenes a leadership workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Professional Learning Lab. The agenda includes training on vision, accountability, systems, advocacy, and unity topics as part of the Be Legendary School Board Leadership Institute.

• Training on School Board Vision and Student Outcome Goals
• Training on School Board Monitoring and Accountability
• Training on School Board Systems and Process
• Training on School Board Advocacy and Engagement
• Training on School Board Unity and Trust

The Dickinson Public School Board attended a leadership workshop conducted by the Tenet Leadership Institute. The session focused on governance, goal setting, and school system outcomes. No formal board actions or votes were taken.

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will meet on April 11, 2022, to approve a consent agenda containing routine items including minutes, March bills, financial reports, and personnel changes. The consent agenda also includes seven certified staff hires, five resignations, and two tuition waiver requests for students transferring from Belfield and South Heart districts. Recognitions for student achievements and staff contributions are listed as part of the consent agenda.

• Approval of certified personnel hires including Jakob Ohl (powersports/small engines), Amber Sickler (Grade 3), and five others
• Acceptance of resignations from Laura Filkowski, Kaitlyn Kostelecky, Mary Hoherz, Martha Sifuentes, and Jay Hepperle
• Tuition waiver requests for children of Terese Olheiser (Belfield to Dickinson) and Nicole Fisher (South Heart to Dickinson)
• Approval of March 2022 bills, financial report, and pledged securities report
• Recognition of DHS Technology Student Association state winners and Math Counts state competitor Blake Homiston

The Board approved a student transportation cost increase proposal for the 2022-2023 school year and a swimming cooperative agreement with New England Public School District. Members also adopted a new food service procurement policy and reaffirmed policy on school board committees. The meeting included informational reports on CTE academy designs and school principal updates.

• Approved student transportation proposal for 2022-2023 school year (unanimous)
• Approved extracurricular cooperative agreement with New England Public School District for boys and girls swimming (unanimous)
• Approved early resignation benefits for paraprofessionals Carol Klatt and Nona Miller (unanimous)
• Reaffirmed Board policy BBBB, School Board Committees (5-0)
• Approved new policy HCAF, Food Service Procurement Policy (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda and meeting agenda (unanimous)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools board is holding a workshop to develop the agenda for the April 11, 2022, board meeting. This session is procedural in nature.

• Build the April 11, 2022, Board Meeting Agenda

The Board met to review proposed topics for the April 11 meeting, including a student busing proposal and enrollment reports. No formal votes were taken during the workshop. The Board proposed April 29 as the date for the next agenda-building session.

• Proposed April 29 as the date to build the May 9 Board Meeting agenda
• Requested further research from Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent on excess District-owned real estate (bus barn, duplex, and Hagen field)

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The board will vote on a consent agenda covering minutes from previous meetings, February financial reports and bills, personnel changes (including the resignation of Director of Student Services Shawn Leiss), and a tuition waiver request from South Heart to Dickinson Public. Public participation is held before the vote.

• Resignation of Director of Student Services Shawn Leiss after 20 years, effective June 30, 2022
• Tuition waiver request for a child of Alyson Lippert from South Heart Public to Dickinson Public for 2022-2023
• Student recognitions: National Merit Scholar finalist, U.S. Presidential Scholars finalists, ND Academic All-State team
• Financial report as of February 28, 2022, and pledged securities report
• Bills for February 2022

The Board approved the annual audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, and authorized a revised 2022-2023 calendar featuring late-start Wednesdays at Dickinson High School. Additionally, the Board approved $14,500 for enrollment projection consulting and rated the superintendent's performance as satisfactory.

• Approved annual audit report for year ending June 30, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved revised 2022-2023 calendar with late start Wednesdays at Dickinson High School (5-0)
• Approved $14,500 contract with RSP & Associates Consulting for five-year enrollment projections (5-0)
• Rated Superintendent as satisfactory in six performance areas (5-0)
• Approved early resignation benefits for Kelly Brown, Susan Haider, Shawn Leiss, and Beverly Mahto (unanimous)
• Approved 10 open enrollment applications and dissolved one open enrollment (unanimous)
• Scheduled Public Input on Long-term Planning and June Board Meeting for June 27, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including February 21 and March 8 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a procedural workshop where the board gathers to build the agenda for the upcoming regular board meeting. No votes or substantive decisions are expected.

• Workshop to build March 14, 2022 board meeting agenda

The Board met to organize the agenda for the March 14, 2022, meeting. Discussions included a $1.248 million district deficit, a proposal for weekly late starts at Dickinson High School, and the scheduling of June meetings. No formal votes were taken during this workshop.

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will vote on recognizing the Dickinson Administrative Council and Dickinson Education Association as bargaining units after petitions showed majority support. They will also consider hiring five certified positions, including a new high school principal, teachers, and a special education instructor. An executive session is scheduled to discuss a teacher grievance with legal counsel.

• Recognition of Dickinson Administrative Council as representative for administrators for one year beginning March 9, 2022
• Recognition of Dickinson Education Association as representative for teachers for one year beginning March 9, 2022
• Hiring Jeffrey Brandt as principal at Dickinson High School (effective July 1, 2022)
• Hiring Madison Myhre (grade 1, Prairie Rose), Conway Heupel (instrumental music, Dickinson Middle School), Cassandra McWhorter (grade 2, Lincoln), and Heather Nelson (special education, Early Childhood Center)
• Executive session under N.D.C.C. § 44-04-19.2 for attorney consultation on a teacher grievance

The Board unanimously recognized the Dickinson Administrative Council and the Dickinson Education Association as representative organizations for one year. The Board also approved contracts for five new certified positions. An executive session was held for attorney consultation regarding a teacher grievance.

• Recognized Dickinson Administrative Council as representative organization (Unanimous)
• Recognized Dickinson Education Association as representative organization (Unanimous)
• Approved contract for Conway Heupel, instrumental music instructor (Unanimous)
• Approved contract for Heather Nelson, special education instructor (Unanimous)
• Approved contract for Cassandra McWhorter, grade two instructor (Unanimous)
• Approved contract for Madison Myhre, grade one instructor (Unanimous)
• Approved contract for Jeffrey Brandt, Dickinson High School principal (Unanimous)
• Approved motion to enter executive session for teacher grievance consultation (4-0, 1 recused)

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will vote on the consent agenda, which includes minutes from recent meetings, January bills, financial and personnel reports, tuition waiver requests, and staff recognitions. The board will also hear a proposal to add Wednesday teacher collaboration time from 8:00‑9:30 at Dickinson High School starting fall 2022. Additional informational items include a CTE Academy update and the superintendent's performance evaluation.

• Approval of consent agenda (minutes, bills, financial report, personnel changes, tuition waivers, recognitions)
• Proposal for Wednesday late‑start/teacher collaboration time at Dickinson High School (8:00‑9:30, fall 2022)
• CTE Academy update (informational)
• Superintendent's evaluation (information, due before March 15)
• Tuition waiver agreements for Nicole Fisher (South Heart) and Ashley Morris (two children to Killdeer Public)

The School Board authorized a planning agreement with Consolidated Construction to assess facility maintenance needs. The board also scheduled the upcoming school board election and approved several personnel and policy updates.

• Approved $14,000 contract with Consolidated Construction for facility planning (5-0)
• Approved early resignation benefits for five instructors and one counselor (unanimous)
• Scheduled school board election for June 14, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved two open enrollment applications and one dissolution (unanimous)
• Reaffirmed 2021-2022 Continuity of Services Plan (unanimous)
• Reaffirmed Board policies BAB and FEE with grammatical revisions (5-0)
• Adopted policy ABCD regarding Records Retention (5-0)
• Approved first reading of revisions to policies ABAD, ABBB, DGGA, and FFG (5-0)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a workshop meeting for Dickinson Public Schools board members to build the agenda for the upcoming regular board meeting on February 21, 2022. No decisions or substantive discussions are scheduled. The meeting consists of call to order, agenda building, and adjournment.

• Build the February 21, 2022, Board Meeting Agenda

The Board held a workshop to build the February 21, 2022, agenda. Members discussed a proposal for late starts on Wednesdays at Dickinson High School for the 2022-2023 school year to allow for teacher collaboration. No formal votes were taken during this workshop.

• Discussed proposal for DHS Wednesday late starts (9:30 AM start) for 2022-2023 school year
• Discussed providing incentives for early graduates to remain in high school
• Discussed Facility Long Term Planning Committee recommendation to hire an architectural firm for building assessments

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public School Board will vote on recognizing two groups as appropriate negotiating units: administrators (Dickinson Administrative Council) and teachers (Dickinson Education Association). Both petitions were received on January 31, 2022. The board will take action via voice vote.

• Recognition of Administrators Negotiating Unit (Dickinson Administrative Council)
• Recognition of Teachers Negotiating Unit (Dickinson Education Association)

The school board formally recognized the appropriate negotiating units for licensed administrators and classroom teachers. Both determinations were made pursuant to North Dakota Century Code Section 15.1-16-10.

• Recognized licensed administrators as the appropriate negotiating unit (Unanimous)
• Recognized licensed or approved classroom teachers as the appropriate negotiating unit (Unanimous)

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The board will vote on the consent agenda, which includes personnel changes (seven certified staff resignations), financial reports, and recognitions. Informational items cover moving special education services for ages 3–5 to the Hagen Building due to a COVID vaccine mandate at the current facility. Action items include authorizing up to four additional elementary certified positions for the 2022–2023 school year, purchasing a 77-passenger bus from Harlow's Bus Sales for $107,270, and considering roofing bids for Berg and Lincoln Elementary schools.

• Approval of consent agenda including resignations of seven certified staff (e.g., teachers, a principal) effective May–June 2022
• Tuition waiver agreement for a child of Katy Goodman from Dickinson Public to Belfield Public
• Authorizing hiring up to four additional elementary certified instructors for 2022–2023 due to kindergarten enrollment surge (386 vs. 294 first graders)
• Bus purchase from Harlow's Bus Sales: one 77-passenger bus for $107,270 with a $1,200 trade-in
• Roofing removal and replacement bids for Berg and Lincoln Elementary schools

The Board approved several facility and equipment contracts, including a new school bus and roofing work for two elementary schools. Members also authorized hiring up to four additional elementary instructors for the next school year and finalized the 2022-2023 academic calendar.

• Approved hiring up to four additional elementary certified positions for 2022-2023 (5-0)
• Approved purchase of one 77-passenger bus from Harlow's Bus Sales for $107,270.00 and a $1,200.00 trade-in (5-0)
• Approved $113,638.00 contract with Twin City Roofing for Berg and Lincoln Elementary schools (5-0)
• Approved architectural services contract with GT Architecture and YHR Partners for CTE infrastructure (5-0)
• Approved 2022-2023 school calendar starting August 25, 2022, and ending May 25, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved early resignation benefits for seven employees effective May 27, 2022 (Unanimous)
• Reaffirmed Board policy BAA regarding Employing Board Members (5-0)
• Approved revisions to Board regulation FFK-BR1 regarding Suspension and Expulsion (5-0)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a procedural workshop where the Dickinson Public Schools board will build the agenda for the January 10, 2022, regular board meeting. No substantive decisions or discussions are scheduled.

• Build the January 10, 2022, Board Meeting Agenda (procedural)

The Board met to build the agenda for the upcoming January 4 board meeting. Members recommended changing the February meeting date to February 21 to resolve a scheduling conflict. No other formal votes were recorded during the workshop.

• Recommended changing February Board meeting date to Monday, February 21