Bismarck board looks at five-year plan

BISMARCK — The Bismarck School Board certified the April 8 election results during its meeting Thursday night and reorganized itself. Steve “Bull” Barton, Norman Loughary and Kenny Wakefield were sworn in during the meeting for their new elected terms. Stanley Jackson was voted in as president of the school board while Brad Brown will be the vice-president. Barton will be the secretary and Wakefield will serve as the board’s MSBA delegate.

The board discussed various construction projects and renovation work that Superintendent Dr. Damon Gamble has outlined for a five-year plan. Even though the plan calls for five years, he said he hopes to have the projects completed within the next two years.

The projects include the purchase of a new modular trailer that will replace two existing double-wide trailers used for special education classes, work on the parking lot, renovation of restrooms, new lighting for the baseball field and replacement of the heating and cooling unit.

The board approved the transfer of $285,000 from the district’s general fund into the capital projects fund to help pay for the work. Gamble acknowledged that all the projects combined will cost more than the transfer.

“We have some existing balances that combined with the transfer should cover the cost of the projects,” Gamble said.

The board approved the purchase of the modular trailer in December. The cost of the trailer is approximately $125,000. Gamble said the new trailer would already be installed if it weren’t for the weather.

“It’s been so muddy we can’t get the old trailers out,” Gamble said. “Once we get them out we will have get a pad poured and we will be ready for the new one.”

The board accepted the resignation of Joanna Miller during the meeting. Miller is an elementary teacher. Gamble said she resigned to take a position with another school district.

The board also rehired the district’s coaches and sponsors for next school year.

“I think we re-employed everyone that wanted to be re-employed and I think that was all of our coaches and sponsors,” Gamble said.

Chris Cline is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact him at 573-431-2010, ext. 114 or at ccline@dailyjournalonline.com.