District sees decrease in tax levy
With better student nutrition and health improvement already a focus in its curriculum, the Littlefork-Big Falls school district has been awarded a SHIP grant for an amount between $100,000-$200,000.
The Student Nutrition Committee reported to the L-BF board Wednesday that a Statewide Health Improvement Program grant in the amount of $1 million was divided among seven counties, with L-BF being the only school recipient in Koochiching County.
“This news brought a smile to everyone’s faces,” said Superintendent Fred Seybert.
Koochiching County staff told The Journal in July that the county’s health department had read newspaper reports of L-BF’s focus on nutrition, and the fact that “they were proactive and already in motion” put them in position to receive the funds should the state grant be approved.
Seybert credited school board member Anita Gray’s work on school nutrition issues as paving the way for the grant receipt. Meetings with the county on how to best use the funds will be scheduled in the coming months, according to Seybert.
The nutrition committee also reported to the board the Oct. 1 discontinuation of the sale of bag lunches at the school. On that date, a soup and salad bar will be available in addition to hot lunches, and will be a healthier option for L-BF students, Seybert said.
The district also announces an annual decrease in its proposed 2009 tax levy which was certified Wednesday. The levy, in the amount of $597,335, shows a decrease of 3.46 percent under last year’s levy.
Other grants were reportedly received in the amount of $8,577 with expenditures of $2,998 to attain those funds, which will go toward safety programs, early childhood equipment, parent curriculum materials and other needs.
The board ratified the district’s contract with certified employees. Non-certified employee negotiations are anticipated to begin in early October.
Hand sanitizers to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus will be installed in the school’s classrooms, library, computer lab and offices, according to Seybert, and letters on prevention will be sent to the parents and guardians of all students.
Lisa Lehman and Sue Hams were hired as the girls head basketball and assistant coaches, respectively.
