Dickinson Public Schools public meetings in 2023

Special School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will select a Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) for the Dickinson High School rebuild/renovate and securing entrances at elementary schools. Six firms submitted qualifications; three were interviewed. The board will also consider applying for membership in the North Dakota School Construction Coalition at no cost.

• Selection of Construction Manager at Risk for Dickinson High School rebuild/renovate and securing elementary school entrances
• Three firms interviewed: FCI Constructors, Kraus and Anderson Construction Company, JE Dunn Construction
• Roll call vote required for CMaR selection
• Membership application in North Dakota School Construction Coalition (no membership cost)
• Selection Committee recommendation to be presented by Superintendent

The Board selected JE Dunn Construction to serve as the Construction Manager at Risk for the Dickinson High School rebuild/renovate project and elementary school entrance security. The Board also authorized membership in the North Dakota School Construction Coalition.

• Awarded Construction Manager at Risk contract for Dickinson High School rebuild/renovate and elementary school entrance security to JE Dunn Construction (5-0)
• Authorized Superintendent Dr. Lewton to apply for membership in the North Dakota School Construction Coalition (unanimous voice vote)

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board is deciding on several action items, including approving up to seven additional certified teaching positions for the 2024-2025 school year, adopting a School Facility Plan, and authorizing a $15 million School Construction Loan application to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction for high school renovation and elementary security upgrades. The board will also consider a special meeting on December 21 to select a Construction Manager at Risk for the project. Routine consent agenda items include minutes, bills, financial reports, personnel changes, enrollment reports, and tuition waivers.

• Authorize a $15,000,000 School Construction Loan application for Dickinson High School renovation and elementary security upgrades
• Consider approving up to seven additional certified teaching positions for 2024-2025 with flexibility for 2023-2024
• Proposed special board meeting on December 21 to select a Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) for the high school project
• Tuition waiver requests: two children of Ashley Loveless from Dickinson Public to Richardton-Taylor, and one child of Lindy Johnson from Killdeer Public to Dickinson Public
• Approval of the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction School Facility Plan

The Board approved a $15 million loan application for the Dickinson High School renovation and elementary school security upgrades. Members also authorized hiring up to seven additional certified instructors for the 2024-2025 school year to address enrollment growth.

• Authorized $15M School Construction Loan application for high school renovation and elementary security (5-0)
• Approved hiring up to seven additional certified instructors for 2024-2025 school year (5-0)
• Approved North Dakota Department of Public Instruction School Facility Plan (5-0)
• Approved first reading of new policies GBAA (Teaching About Religion) and GCBA (Grading) (5-0)
• Approved first reading of revisions to policies BCBA, FAAA, and GACB (5-0)
• Authorized destruction of school records from fiscal years 2014-2018 (unanimous voice vote)
• Scheduled Special School Board Meeting for December 21, 2023 (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda and meeting agenda (unanimous voice vote)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a procedural workshop for the Dickinson Public Schools Board to build the agenda for its upcoming December 11, 2023, regular meeting. No substantive decisions or public hearings are scheduled; the session is limited to agenda planning.

• The sole substantive item is to build the December 11 board meeting agenda.

The Board met to review proposed agenda items for the December 11 meeting. Discussions focused on student enrollment increases, high school construction planning, and proposed staffing and loan applications. No formal votes were taken during this workshop.

• Proposed agenda for Dec 11 meeting reviewed
• Proposed addition of seven certified positions for next school year discussed
• Proposed $15 million construction loan application from Bank of North Dakota discussed
• Proposed DPI Facility Plan for Board consideration discussed

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will open the meeting, allow public comments, and vote on the consent agenda that includes minutes, bills, and financial reports. It will then consider two action items: a Memorandum of Understanding for boys' and girls' hockey and the superintendent's formative evaluation. Informational updates on board goals, CTE academy construction, and enrollment will also be presented.

• Approve consent agenda items (minutes from Oct 9, Nov 6, Nov 7 meetings, bills, financial reports)
• Approve Memorandum of Understanding for boys' and girls' hockey (one‑year agreement)
• Approve superintendent Dr. Lewton's formative evaluation rating
• Provide update on Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy construction
• Present Board Goal No. 1 on third‑grade reading proficiency improvement

The Board unanimously approved the superintendent's performance evaluation and renewed the memorandum of understanding for boys' and girls' hockey. The meeting also included informational reports on student enrollment growth and reading proficiency goals.

• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding for boys' and girls' hockey for 2023-2024 (unanimous)
• Rated Superintendent Dr. Lewton as satisfactory in all six performance areas (5-0)

Special School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Special School Board meeting on November 7, 2023, includes a single action item: authorizing the drafting and advertising of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the rebuild/renovation of Dickinson High School and securing entrances at elementary schools. The board will also hear an explanation of the selection process and scoring rubric. A roll call vote is required.

• Request for Qualifications for Construction Manager at Risk for Dickinson High School rebuild/renovate and securing elementary school entrances

The School Board authorized the Business Manager to draft and advertise a Request for Qualifications for a Construction Manager at Risk. This process concerns the rebuild/renovate of Dickinson High School and securing entrances at elementary schools.

• Authorized Request for Qualifications for a Construction Manager at Risk for Dickinson High School rebuild/renovate and elementary school entrance security (3-0)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a procedural workshop where the Dickinson Public Schools board will build the agenda for the November 13, 2023, regular board meeting. No substantive decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Board will construct the agenda for the November 13 regular meeting

The Board met to review topics for the upcoming November 13, 2023, meeting. Assistant Superintendent Keith Harris proposed items including a CTE annual report and assessment results for reading.

• Proposed agenda items for Nov 13: CTE annual report, reading assessment results, hockey Memorandum of Understanding, and superintendent evaluation

Special School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hold a special meeting to canvass the October 24, 2023 special election on a bond referendum. The Canvassing Board will review submitted ballots, and the board will consider a resolution declaring the results.

• Swearing in of Canvassing Board members: Keith Harris, David Wilkie, Brent Seaks, Michelle Orton, Kim Schwartz, and Jason Rodakowski
• Public participation under Board Policy BCBA
• Canvassing the October 24, 2023 special election ballots for the bond referendum
• Consideration of a resolution to canvass returns and declare the election result

The Board canvassed the results of the October 24, 2023, special election. After reviewing and voting on the validity of individual cast, set-aside, and absentee ballots, the Board officially declared the resolution to issue bonds approved.

• Accepted 1 ballot marked with green pen (5-0)
• Rejected 1 ballot with identifying initials in judge's box (5-0)
• Rejected 1 set-aside ballot lacking US citizenship documentation (5-0)
• Accepted 2 set-aside ballots with US citizenship documentation (5-0)
• Rejected 6 set-aside ballots lacking ND residency documentation (5-0)
• Rejected 3 set-aside ballots lacking identification documentation (5-0)
• Accepted 2 absentee ballots missing brown secrecy envelopes (5-0)
• Approved Resolution Canvassing Returns with 2,519 votes for and 1,045 against issuing bonds (5-0)

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will vote on a recommendation from the Self-Funded Health Insurance Committee to increase health insurance premiums. The board will also hear updates on bond referendum presentations, a full-service community school program, student math proficiency goals, and complete a superintendent evaluation.

• Action on health insurance premium increase based on committee recommendation (no dollar amount specified)
• Bond referendum presentations scheduled at multiple elementary schools and a Chamber event (Oct. 10–12)
• Tuition waiver requests for children of Sabrina Wieseler, Samantha Jo Davis, and Cynthia Link
• Personnel change: resignation of Jaci Kolm (Community Outreach Coordinator) effective Oct. 11, 2023
• Student mobility report (inward and outward migration for 2022-2023)

The Board approved a 19.2% increase in health insurance premiums for district employees effective January 1, 2024. Other actions included adding a certified physical therapist position and approving the 2022-2023 Annual Financial Report.

• Approved health insurance premium increase effective Jan 1, 2024 (4-0)
• Approved adding a certified position for a Physical Therapist (4-0)
• Approved 2022-2023 Annual Financial Report (4-0)
• Adopted Central Administration Office’s Theory of Action (Voice vote)
• Approved Board Leadership Framework Quarterly Progress Tracker for Q2 and Q3 2023 (Voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda and meeting agenda (Voice vote)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a procedural workshop where the Dickinson Public Schools Board will draft the agenda for the upcoming October 9 board meeting. No substantive decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Workshop to construct the agenda for the October 9, 2023 School Board Meeting

The Board met to organize the agenda for the October 9 meeting, which will include the final 2023-2024 Budget and Certificate of Levy. Members also reviewed their North Dakota Be Legendary Leadership Framework Self-Evaluation scores. No formal votes were taken during this workshop.

• Proposed final 2023-2024 Budget and Certificate of Levy for Oct 9 meeting
• Recommended maintaining self-evaluation scores for Objectives 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
• Maintained 'advanced' status for Objective 4 of the leadership self-evaluation

School Board Workshop

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hear an update from ICON Architectural Group during this workshop. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting consists of a single presentation and procedural items.

• ICON Architectural Group team presentation to the Board

The Board held a workshop to review a proposed $70 million high school expansion and the potential impact of a failed bond referendum. No formal votes were taken during the session.

• No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was a workshop for discussion and updates

5:00 p.m. Budget Public Input Hearing

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hold a budget public input hearing. Board President Orton will open the meeting, and Business Manager Stephanie Hunter will present the 2023‑24 budget. Community members will be invited to comment on the budget. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• Opening Items – Call to Order by Board President Orton
• Budget Presentation – Business Manager Stephanie Hunter (budget facts PDF attached)
• Public Participation – Audience invited to comment on the budget
• Closing Items – Adjournment

The school board reviewed preliminary budget information and projected revenues and expenditures for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. No formal votes were taken, and no questions or comments were provided by the board or the public.

• Maintained mill levy at 113.7 mills

Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will open the meeting, allow public comments, and consider a consent agenda that includes minutes from recent meetings, August financial and enrollment reports, personnel change reports, several tuition waiver requests, and a cooperative girls' wrestling agreement. After the consent agenda, the Board will formally approve the meeting agenda and hear the Superintendent's report on upcoming public forums for the bond referendum and enrollment statistics. The Board will also receive updates on the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy construction and on the district’s goals for student work‑based learning.

• Approve consent agenda: minutes, August bills, financial reports, enrollment, personnel changes, tuition waiver requests, and Hope Christian Academy girls' wrestling agreement
• Tuition waiver applications for students from South Heart, Richardton‑Taylor, and New England public schools
• Cooperative athletic agreement request from Hope Christian Academy for girls' wrestling (2023‑2024 school year)
• Construction progress update for Buildings B and C at the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy
• Superintendent's report announcing public forums on September 28 and October 17 regarding the bond referendum

The Board approved a contract with ICON Architectural Group for engineering and architectural services related to a bond referendum. Other actions included approving a student's open enrollment application and advancing several school board policy updates.

• Approved contract with ICON Architectural Group for architectural and engineering services (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Policy FFH, Student Dress Code (5-0)
• Approved first reading of revisions to Policy BCAD (Executive Session) and Policy DEBE (Employee Relations with Vendors) (5-0)
• Approved second reading and final adoption of Policy GCC (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendments) and Policy KACA (Patron Complaints) (5-0)
• Approved open enrollment application for a child of Stacey Tshudy (unanimous)
• Approved DPI Annual Compliance Report for 2023-2024 (unanimous)
• Scheduled Board Workshop for September 20, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda and meeting agenda (unanimous)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting and Budget Public Hearing Agendas

The Dickinson Public Schools board will hold a workshop to finalize the agendas for the upcoming September 11 public input hearing and regular board meeting. No substantive decisions will be made at this session; it is procedural only.

• Set September 11 public input hearing and board meeting agendas (procedural)

The board met to review draft materials for a budget public input hearing and set the agenda for the September 11 meeting. No formal votes or final decisions were recorded during this workshop.

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider authorizing Business Manager Hunter to negotiate a contract with ICON Architectural Group for architectural and engineering services. The project covers renovation and rebuild of portions of Dickinson High School and construction of secure entrances at elementary schools. A committee recommended ICON after interviewing six firms.

• Vote on authorizing contract negotiation with ICON Architectural Group
• Project includes rebuild of portions of Dickinson High School
• Project includes secure entrances at elementary schools
• Six firms submitted proposals for the RFQ; committee recommended ICON

The School Board authorized the Business Manager to negotiate a contract with ICON Architectural Group. The firm will provide architectural and engineering services for rebuilding portions of Dickinson High School and constructing secure entrances at elementary buildings.

• Authorized negotiation of contract with ICON Architectural Group for high school rebuild and elementary secure entrances (4-0-1)

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider and potentially approve the preliminary 2023-2024 budget with $60.5M in general fund expenditures and a levy of 113.70 mills. The board will also vote on an initial resolution for general obligation bonds to fund remodeling of Dickinson High School. Additionally, they will schedule a public input hearing on the budget for September 11, 2023. The consent agenda includes personnel changes, tuition waiver requests, and approval of minutes and financial reports.

• Preliminary budget with $60,533,174.42 general fund expenditures and 113.70 mills levy
• Initial resolution for general obligation bonds to remodel Dickinson High School
• Schedule budget public input hearing for September 11, 2023
• Tuition waiver requests for children from South Heart and Richardton-Taylor to Dickinson Public
• Personnel changes including hires and transfers for certified staff

The Board approved the preliminary budget and Certificate of Levy for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Members also approved an initial resolution and called for a special election regarding general obligation school building bonds to address high school overcrowding and repairs.

• Approved preliminary 2023-2024 budget expenditures totaling $70,348,136.55 (5-0-1)
• Approved preliminary Certificate of Levy for 113.70 mills (4-0-1)
• Approved Initial Resolution for General Obligation School Building Bonds (4-0-1)
• Adopted Resolution Calling a Special Election to Vote on General Obligation School Building Bonds
• Scheduled Budget Public Input Hearing for September 11, 2023 (Voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda including July meeting minutes (Voice vote)
• Approved meeting agenda (Voice vote)

Board Retreat/Workshop

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hold a retreat/workshop to discuss district priorities including a possible bond referendum to address enrollment growth and facility needs. They will also review current staff vacancies, estimated K-12 enrollment, and financial updates. The board may consider closing open enrollment at Dickinson High School and elementary schools.

• Discussion of potential bond referendum for high school renovation, construction, and elementary safety
• Review of estimated K-12 enrollment as of July 31, 2023, and consideration of closing open enrollment at DHS and elementary schools
• Update on current staff openings (certified and classified vacancies)
• Finance update and district facilities discussion
• Board tour of the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy

The Board held a retreat to discuss district facilities, enrollment, and a proposed $69 million bond to rebuild portions of Dickinson High School. No formal votes were taken during the workshop; however, a bond resolution is proposed for the August 7 meeting agenda.

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will meet to consider the disposal of multiple real estate assets. This includes a duplex and shop building, Hagen Field, and the Bus Barn property.

• Sale of Duplex and Shop Building at 336 5th St West
• Sale of Hagen Field (approximately six acres)
• Sale of Bus Barn property at 220 and 300 W. Broadway
• Ratification of real estate purchase agreements by Superintendent Dr. Marcus Lewton

The Board unanimously approved the disposal of three specific real estate properties. The Superintendent was authorized to execute the purchase agreements and necessary closing documents for these sales.

• Approved disposal of Duplex and Shop Building at 336 5th Street West (5-0)
• Approved disposal of Hagen Field (approx. six acres) (5-0)
• Approved disposal of Bus Barn property at 220 and 300 West Broadway (5-0)
• Authorized Superintendent to execute real estate purchase agreements and closing documents (5-0)

Annual School Board Meeting

The annual school board meeting includes election of officers, approval of consent agenda items (including personnel changes, bills, and a tuition waiver), and several action items. The board will vote to award a 2023-2026 transportation contract to Harlow's School Bus Service, authorize a request for qualifications for an architect for a possible rebuild of sections of Dickinson High School, and consider extracurricular cooperative agreements in girls' gymnastics and girls' hockey with South Heart Public School District.

• Award of 2023-2026 transportation contract to Harlow's School Bus Service (sole qualified bidder)
• Authorization to draft RFQ for architectural services for possible rebuild of sections of Dickinson High School
• Proposed cooperative agreement with South Heart Public for girls' gymnastics and girls' hockey
• Personnel changes including hires and resignations for 2023-2024 school year
• Tuition waiver request for two children of Kandice Evenson from Dickinson Public to South Heart Public

The Board elected its officers and approved a transportation contract with Harlow’s School Bus Service, Inc. for 2023-2026. Members also authorized a request for qualifications for an architect to potentially rebuild sections of Dickinson High School.

• Elected Michelle Orton as Board President and Kim Schwartz as Vice President (Unanimous)
• Awarded 2023-2026 transportation contract to Harlow’s School Bus Service, Inc. (5-0)
• Authorized Request for Qualifications for an architect for possible Dickinson High School rebuild (5-0)
• Approved extracurricular cooperative agreement with South Heart Public School District for girls' gymnastics and hockey (Unanimous)
• Set aside $119,170.66 for Jefferson Elementary and $108,479.43 for Lincoln Elementary at-risk students (Unanimous)
• Designated Bravera Bank as official checking depository and five other banks for investments (Unanimous)
• Designated The Dickinson Press as the official newspaper (Unanimous)
• Named Dr. Marcus Lewton as authorized representative for the District and federal programs (Unanimous)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools board is holding a workshop to build the agenda for the upcoming July 10, 2023, Annual School Board Meeting. This session is procedural in nature.

• Build the July 10, 2023, Annual School Board Meeting Agenda

The Board met to build the agenda for the July 10 annual meeting, where they will designate authorized representatives and select committee members. The Superintendent presented data on Dickinson High School overcrowding and a proposed $69 million renovation bond. No formal votes were taken during this workshop.

• Tabled discussion on high school renovation options for the next workshop/retreat
• Scheduled a transportation contract with Harlow’s School Bus Service for consideration at the July 10 meeting

Regular School Board Meeting

The board will vote on a consent agenda that includes personnel changes, cooperative athletic agreements, and a tuition waiver. They will also discuss the only qualified bid for a four-year transportation contract from Harlow's Bus Service, and hear reports on summer activities, enrollment, and community survey results.

• Only qualified bid for 2023–2027 transportation contract received from Harlow's School Bus Service; current contract extended through July 11, 2023, pending negotiations.
• Certified personnel changes: 5 hires, 2 transfers, 8 resignations, including Assistant Principal Holly Schild and resignations of Tad Schye and Chris Kovash.
• Cooperative agreements: Richardton/Taylor for girls' wrestling and Belfield for boys' swim and dive for 2023–2024.
• Tuition waiver request from Richardton-Taylor to Dickinson Public for child of Collette Calderon.
• Presentation of School Perceptions community survey results distributed in April/May 2023.

The Board reviewed survey results regarding a proposed $69 million bond for high school renovations, which showed 57% weighted support. The Board also reviewed data on elementary school expansion options and received an update on homeless student populations. No formal actions were taken on these informational items.

• Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Scheduled Board workshop for July 6, 2023

Special School Board Meeting

This special meeting of the Dickinson Public Schools Board will vote on two action items: the 2023-2025 Administrative Negotiated Agreement and the 2023-2024 Classified Employee Salary and Benefits Package. The administrative agreement includes a new salary schedule, removal of two positions from the matrix, and increased sick leave payouts. The classified package proposes a 3% salary increase and restructured job categories.

• Transition to Option 1 salary schedule for 2023-2025
• Remove dean of students and assistant superintendent from salary matrix
• Double steps for 2023-2024 and regular lane changes
• Career increments of $750/year for employees at step 26 or higher
• 3% salary increase for all classified employees over 2022-2023

The Board unanimously approved a two-year negotiated agreement for administrators and the 2023-2024 salary and benefits package for classified employees. These updates include revised salary schedules, changes to leave payouts, and updated employee categories.

• Approved 2023-2025 Administrative Negotiated Agreement (5-0)
• Approved 2023-2024 Classified Employee Salary and Benefits Package effective July 1, 2023 (5-0)

Special School Board Meeting

The school board will consider approving the 2023-2025 Professional Negotiated Agreement, which includes a 0.5% base wage increase for 2023-24, step and lane movements, career increments, and revisions to paid time off. The board will also set breakfast and lunch meal prices for the upcoming school year, with increases across all categories. Additionally, a first reading and final adoption of a policy revision to align with the new agreement is on the agenda.

• Approve 2023-2025 Professional Negotiated Agreement with 0.5% base increase and PTO changes
• Set meal prices: K-12 breakfast $2.25, lunch grades K-5 $3.40, 6-8 $3.70, 9-12 $4.20
• Revise Board Policy DKBC (Early Resignation Notification) to align with new agreements
• Increase sick leave payout for early resignation from $20/day to $35/day
• Career increments of 5% for qualifying teachers and $775/year for step 26+ in certain lanes

The Board unanimously approved a new professional negotiated agreement including a updated salary schedule. New student and adult meal prices were set for fall 2023. The Board also adopted revisions to policy DKBC regarding early resignation notification.

• Approved 2023-2025 Professional Negotiated Agreement (5-0)
• Approved K-12 student breakfast fee of $2.25 (5-0)
• Approved adult breakfast fee of $3.00 (5-0)
• Approved K-5 student lunch fee of $3.40 (5-0)
• Approved 6-8 student lunch fee of $3.70 (5-0)
• Approved 9-12 student lunch fee of $4.20 (5-0)
• Approved adult lunch fee of $5.05 (5-0)
• Approved revisions to Board policy DKC, Early Resignation Notification (5-0)

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will open the meeting, allow public comments, and consider any additions or removals to the consent agenda. The board will then vote by voice on the consent agenda, which includes minutes from April 11, April 19 and May 2, the April 2023 bills, the April 30 financial report, personnel changes, enrollment and health‑insurance reports, tuition waiver requests, and director reports. The agenda also contains a report on Roughrider and Southwest CTE centers, including recent construction updates and state funding details.

• Vote to approve the consent agenda (minutes, bills, financial report, etc.)
• Approval of April 2023 Board Bills
• Approval of the April 30, 2023 financial report
• Review of classified and certified personnel changes report
• CTE director report noting $10 million state funding, $1.5 million for work‑based learning, $3 million additional grant, and a $100,000 donation from Bravera Bank

The Board approved the hiring of up to two additional certified instructors to accommodate increasing enrollment. Other actions included awarding food vendor bids and approving an application for alternative high school status. Several reports on the Adult Learning Center and virtual academies were presented for information only.

• Approved hiring up to two additional certified instructors for 2023-2024 (5-0)
• Approved Southwest Community High School's application for Alternative High School Approval (Unanimous)
• Awarded 2023-2024 Milk Product Vendor to Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. (Unanimous)
• Awarded 2023-2024 Bread Product Vendor to Pan O' Gold, Inc. (Unanimous)
• Scheduled annual school board meeting for July 10, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. (5-0)
• Dissolved open enrollment for a child of Pius Bonangwie from Hebron Public (Unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including previous meeting minutes (Unanimous)
• Approved the 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 meeting on May 8, 2023. No substantive decisions or discussions are scheduled. The meeting includes call to order, agenda building, and adjournment.

• Call to order by Board President Orton
• Build the May 8, 2023, regular school board meeting agenda
• Adjournment

The Board met to determine the topics for the May 8, 2023, regular meeting. Discussions included kindergarten enrollment trends and upcoming reports on the Adult Learning Center and Roughrider K-8 Virtual Academy. No formal votes were taken during this workshop.

• Proposed May 8 agenda items: summer buildings project report, 2023-2024 meal prices, 2023-2024 student handbooks, administrative and teacher negotiations updates, milk and bread product awards, Southwest Community High report, and policy/regulation reviews
• Proposed deferring action on Heart River Elementary and Hagen Junior High summer projects pending community survey results

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Special School Board Meeting on April 19, 2023, will consider approving a survey about facilities renovation and additions to be distributed to the community in Spring 2023. The item requires a roll call vote. No other substantive business is listed beyond procedural items.

• Approval of Facilities Survey for community distribution regarding renovations and additions
• Roll call vote required on the motion

The Board unanimously approved the distribution of a community survey regarding the Dickinson Public Schools Facilities Renovation and Additions for Spring 2023. The survey addresses student enrollment space, building systems, and security updates. The superintendent was granted power to amend the survey as needed.

• Approved distribution of Dickinson Public Schools Facilities Renovation and Additions community survey (5-0)

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will consider approval of the consent agenda, which includes minutes from prior meetings, March bills, financial reports, personnel changes (hires, transfers, resignations), enrollment report, health insurance report, and four tuition waiver requests from families transferring into the district. The board will also hear the Roughrider Area Career and Technology Center and Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy director reports.

• Approval of 18 certified personnel hires for the 2023-2024 school year, including counselors, teachers, and assistant principals.
• Tuition waiver requests for children of Lindsey Holznagel, Chelsey Hanson, Mindy Wood, and Brittany Hendricks to attend Dickinson Public.
• Approval of March 2023 bills and the March 31, 2023 financial and pledged securities reports.
• Personnel transfers and reassignments, including several staff moving between schools or changing positions.
• Resignations of 10 certified staff members, effective May 26, 2023 or earlier.

The Board approved the official name for the district's program for students ages 3-5 and authorized a waiver for high school unit instructional time. Other actions included updating board policies and approving a custodian's early resignation benefit.

• Approved naming the 'Dickinson Public School District Early Childhood Program' (Voice vote)
• Approved Dickinson High School's Waiver of High School Unit Instruction Form (Voice vote)
• Reaffirmed Board policy BEA, Candidate Orientation (4-0)
• Rescinded Board regulation HCAA-BR, Criteria for Evaluating Informal Bids or Proposals (4-0)
• Approved first reading of revisions to Board policy BBBA, Officers of the Board (4-0)
• Approved early resignation benefit for custodian Elmer Krebs, Jr. effective June 30, 2023 (Voice vote)
• Dissolved open enrollment for two children of Kayleen Wentz (Voice vote)
• Approved 2023 Q1 Board Leadership Framework Quarterly Progress Tracker (Voice vote)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools board held a workshop to develop the agenda for its April 11 regular meeting. Participants will draft agenda items and review the first‑quarter Board Self‑Evaluation Progress Tracker with consultant Laurie Elliott. The session concluded with adjournment.

• Call to Order by Board President Orton
• Draft agenda for April 11 regular board meeting
• Review first‑quarter Board Self‑Evaluation Progress Tracker
• Consultant Laurie Elliott (Elliott and McMahon, LLC) to assist with board review
• Adjournment

The Board identified topics for the April 11 regular meeting, including a block scheduling waiver and the naming of the Early Childhood Program. Board members also used the North Dakota Be Legendary Leadership Framework to score their progress across six objectives.

• Proposed agenda items for April 11: naming the Early Childhood Program, a block scheduling and Wednesday late start waiver, and rescheduling the June meeting
• Proposed agenda items for April 11: NWEA fluency score updates, two policy reviews, one regulation review, and a first quarter 2023 self-evaluation
• Board self-evaluated as Proficient on Objectives 1 and 2
• Board self-evaluated as Novice for Objective 3
• Board self-evaluated at the highest level for Objective 4
• Board self-evaluated as Partially Proficient for Objective 5
• Board self-evaluated as Novice for Objective 6

Special School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will hear a presentation on the district's audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, from Brady Martz & Associates, then vote on accepting it. The board will also discuss planning a community presentation on board goals.

• Presentation and vote on 2021-2022 audit report from Brady Martz & Associates
• Discussion of planning a community presentation on board goals

The Board approved the annual audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, which received an unmodified clean opinion. Members also discussed strategies for presenting three student outcome goals to the community.

• Approved 2021-2022 annual audit report (3-0)

Regular School Board Meeting

The Dickinson Public Schools Board will vote on a consent agenda that includes approval of February 2023 bills, financial reports, and personnel changes. The board will also hear the superintendent's report on kindergarten pre-registration and a potential special meeting to review the audit. A tuition waiver request and updates from career and technology centers are included.

• Personnel changes: hires (3 certified), transfers (5), resignations (8) including Lynette Olafson (42 years) and Leanne Smutzler (35 years)
• Tuition waiver request for a child of Janelle Uzdilla to attend from Richardton-Taylor Public
• Dickinson High gymnastics team recognized for 8th consecutive state championship
• Southwest Area CTE Academy update: Building A open, Building B nearing August completion, hiring for Ag, Culinary, Heavy Equipment instructors
• Superintendent reports 127 kindergartners pre-registered so far for fall 2023

The Board approved the recognition of the Dickinson Administrative Council as the representative organization for its negotiating unit for at least one year. Other agenda items regarding foundation updates, student math scores, and leadership theories were informational only.

• Recognized Dickinson Administrative Council as representative organization for minimum of one year starting March 14, 2023
• Approved consent agenda (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 their regular meeting on March 13, 2023. No policy decisions or discussions are scheduled.

• Build the March 13, 2023 Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Board met to build the March 13, 2023, meeting agenda. Members reviewed a draft community survey regarding high school and elementary school space challenges and discussed a forthcoming District Annual Report. No formal votes were taken during the workshop.

• Tabled final review of community survey to a future Special School Board Meeting

Regular School Board Meeting

The board will vote on the consent agenda, which includes approval of a $1,000,000 donation from Baranko Brothers, Inc. to establish a heavy equipment operator program at the Southwest Area CTE Academy, a $275,000 investment from Baker Boy for culinary arts, and a 5-year, $2,275,000 federal mental health grant. Other items include personnel changes, tuition waivers, and recognitions.

• $1,000,000 donation for heavy equipment operator program at SW CTE Academy
• $275,000 Baker Boy investment for culinary arts program and mobile food trailer
• 5-year $2,275,000 federal mental health grant for district services
• Certified personnel hires and transfers, including new math teacher at DHS
• Tuition waiver and cost-sharing agreements for students from Richardton-Taylor and Belfield

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

This is a workshop session for board members to discuss and build the agenda for the upcoming regular school board meeting on February 13, 2023. No policy decisions or substantive discussions are scheduled.

• Build the February 13, 2023, Regular School Board Meeting Agenda

The Board met to determine topics for the upcoming February 13 or 14 meeting. No formal votes were taken, but the Board identified several items for future consideration, including elementary attendance boundaries and new staff positions.

• Added elementary attendance boundary preliminary information to Tuesday's agenda
• Proposed adding three new CTE instructor positions to Tuesday's agenda
• Proposed adding five mental health grant positions to Tuesday's agenda
• Proposed adding the 2023-2024 school calendar to Tuesday's agenda
• Proposed adding early resignation incentive requests to Tuesday's agenda
• Proposed adding negotiating unit recognitions to Tuesday's agenda

Regular School Board Meeting

The board will review a consent agenda including financial reports, personnel changes, and student enrollment. Discussion includes progress on the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy and upcoming budget committee updates.

• Southwest Area CTE Building A occupancy delay due to supply chain issues
• Baranko Bros. Inc. $1,000,000 commitment for CTE project
• Baker Boy $275,000 commitment for CTE project
• Marathon Petroleum $125,000 commitment for CTE project
• Award of $436,000 RWIP grant for mobile learning lab equipment

The Board approved a new policy prohibiting the teaching of critical race theory and revised regulations for reviewing instructional material complaints. Members also approved their leadership progress tracker for the fourth quarter of 2022 and dissolved two open enrollments.

• Approved Board policy GAAE, Critical Race Theory, first reading (5-0)
• Approved revisions to Board regulation GAAC-BR1 regarding instructional material complaints (5-0)
• Approved revisions to policies BDBD (Parent Advisory Council), DEBC (Gifts to District Personnel), and FGDE (Noncurricular Material) first reading (5-0)
• Approved the Be Legendary Board Leadership Framework Quarterly Progress Tracker for Q4 2022 (unanimous)
• Dissolved open enrollments for children of LeAnn Amundson and Megan Smith (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda and meeting agenda (unanimous)

Workshop to Build the Board Meeting Agenda

The Dickinson Public Schools board held a workshop to prepare the agenda for the January 9 regular meeting. They also reviewed a board evaluation progress tracker using the "Be Legendary" framework and will continue self-assessment with consultant Laurie Elliott.

• Building the agenda for the January 9 regular school board meeting
• Board evaluation progress tracker implementing Be Legendary Board Leadership framework with consultant Laurie Elliott

The Board developed the agenda for the January 9 meeting and reviewed survey data regarding virtual learning days. Board members performed a self-evaluation across six leadership objectives, scoring their proficiency in areas such as student outcomes and community advocacy.

• Proposed January 9 agenda items: Superintendent's Report, Budget Input and Development Committee update, and a presentation by Jaci Kolm and Aaron Anderson
• Proposed January 9 agenda items: Dissolving two open enrollments and reviewing policies and regulations for adoption or revision
• Board self-evaluated as 'proficient' on student outcome goals and goal progress measures (Objectives 1 and 2)
• Board self-evaluated as 'novice' on monitoring calendar (Objective 3)
• Board self-evaluated as 'advanced' on structured operations for success (Objective 4)
• Board self-evaluated as 'proficient' on guardrails (Objective 5)
• Board self-evaluated as 'not past zero' on teamwork and advocacy (Objective 6)