Friday, March 29th, 2024 Church Directory
SANDBOX SPONSORS. Staff of the Big Lake School District thanked the sponsors of the Sandbox program with plaques of appreciation. Back row: Matt Vogel, Sandbox instructor; Bri Ana Vogel, Viet; Adam Eggert, PCi Roads; John Hass, Veit; Scott Weness, RDO Equipment; Bob Dockendorf, High School Principal. Front row: Kelly Hansen, Veit; Shallyn Tordeur, BLHS Assistant Principal; Andrea Ibberson, Peer Coach; Wade Olson, Tech Ed and Work-Based Learning instructor. (Photo by Katherine Cantin.)

Big Lake School Board thanks sandbox sponsors

During the monthly meeting, the Big Lake School Board heard an update on how the year is going for the high school, and, in particular, they heard about the success of the new sandbox program. 

The sandbox program is a class that allows high school students to study excavating by actually using equipment on school grounds. Matthew Vogel, teacher for the program, said the students who enrolled in the course were having a blast working with the machines. The course is being offered as a means for the district to help broaden the scope of what students consider for a career after high school. Vogel said there were a variety of students taking the course this fall, some hoping to move into a career where they operate similar machinery, and some who were interested in civil engineering or in being a diesel mechanic, and who saw the opportunity to become acquainted with the operation of the machines.

The program was created with the help of several local businesses. As a thank-you, Vogel distributed plaques to each of the business partners on behalf of the high school and the district. 

Financial Report

Before giving her financial report, Angie Manuel, Director of Business Services, invited Matt Mayer of Bergan KDV to give the school’s financial audit report for the year. Mayor said he and his company were presenting an unmodified (or clean) opinion of the school’s finances, without any significant issues. He furthermore noted that the staff was very helpful and he and no issues working with them.

With that, Manuel moved on to her financial report. Average daily membership is still higher than what was budgeted for the year, even after a slight loss of nine students (several students moved out of district.) Manuel also noted some concerns moving forward, as the district had been spending into a deficit. This has not been an issue as the general fund had enough money in order to do so, but he noted that a new plan would be needed for the future. 

Student Representative

Student Representative Grace John noted that she had reached out to various school districts in the area to learn about what their policies regarding hats were. She found that many did allow hats. She will continue to meet with administration in an effort to change the Big Lake policy. 

John noted that the blood drive hosted by NHS was a success as all slots were filled. Likewise, the NHS food drive also exceeded its goal. 

The Giving Tree will once again be featured at the school. Items can be donated that will go directly to district students who are struggling. 

In Other Business, the Board:

• Heard an update on how the year is going so far for the high school;

• Heard an update from community education and the activities department;

• Approved bids for work for the referendum plan;

• Canvassed the election results.