The Littlefork-Big Falls School Board agreed to hire Pam Josephson as the school’s interim business manager at its meeting Wednesday in Big Falls.
Applications for the permanent position are being accepted until Jan. 15, according to Superintendent Fred Seybert. Josephson will serve in the interim position until it is permanently filled. She is not under contract, but Seybert said he expects her to apply for the permanent position.
The board heard that a grant to the district from the Minnesota Environmental Initiative was used by the school’s transportation department to purchase two fuel operated heaters and diesel oxidation catalyst muffler for school bus.
Seybert explained the heaters will reduce the idling time of buses from 20-30 minutes to 2-3 minutes.
“This will result in substantial fuel savings for the district,” he said.
The muffler is used to reduce greenhouse gases which will result in cleaner exhaust. Seybert said he assumes that the district will purchase more of the units in the future.
The board agreed to seek sealed bids for Internet access for the 2010-2011 school year. The board action was taken after a letter was read to the board from Information Technology Director Frank Hand, who asked the board to seek sealed bids. Hand requested the board reject quotes from companies, similar to how the issue has been handled in the past.
“We have several companies interested in this,” Seybert said. “We will accept bids until 4 p.m. Jan .4.”
The safety committee reported to the board that they contacted Shannon’s Plumbing and Heating Inc. of International Falls to conduct an audit on the air quality in the school’s shop and science rooms. Seybert said once more is known about the costs involved, the Building and Grounds Committee will present all necessary information to the board for further action.
“The one day bond sale could finance this if the decision to proceed with the audit is made,” Seybert said.
A Truth in Taxation hearing was held during the meeting. There were no questions, comments or major discussion on the matter. Seybert reviewed the 2010 levy and explained that all the school district’s taxes are set by the Minnesota Department of Education.
The Littlefork-Big Falls grades K-12 Christmas concert was conducted Monday night, and first year band director Aron Bohnert was recognized for his efforts to make the concert the success it was, Seybert explained.
Students of the month were also recognized. The junior high student of the month is Breann Larson and the senior high student is Cody Pfeifer.
