District 518 acts on proposed levy, readings of policy changes and more

The District 518 Board of Education met Tuesday night. Superintendent Joel Heitkamp explained Wednesday morning that the board acted, as is often the case, to certify the maximum proposed levy for the coming year. 

Heitkamp explained that it's important to note that if the district doesn't levy at its maximum capacity, the district isn't funded by the state at its full capacity. He added that it's important to note that the levy percentage fluctuates.

Also on Tuesday's agenda was an enrollment update. Heitkamp said that number was right at what was anticipated at this early point of the school year, or right at 4,000. He did add that there has been a small dip in the number of students enrolled in the VIBE program, which is at 700 — a number that the superintendent is pleased with. At one point, he said, there were 100 students waiting in the queue to get enrolled into our online program, but the district is all caught up.

The district is required to set an Oct. 1 enrollment count to the state. 

The board also had a discussion Tuesday about a proposed change to the proposed ice arena project. Heitkamp noted that a community group has come forward with a new plan for a renovated ice arena on the county fairgrounds property with an attached addition with a second rink. District 518 has committed $5 million to a new community ice arena.

Four required second readings of policy changes — many the result of legislation at the state level -- were approved. Topics of the policies included were mandated reporting of child neglect or physical or sexual health, protection and privacy of pupil records, student transportation safety and credit for learning, which pertains to students coming into the district from other cities, states and countries receiving proper credits toward graduation.

Additionally, the board took action to approve superintendent evaluation goals and the superintendent evaluation process. Heitkamp reported that a work session last week involved a program created by the Minnesota School Board Association and the Minnesota Association of School Administrators, and suggested that his and the board's goals are in alignment with one another.