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Insufficient numbers indicated for H-M-S to have own bowling program
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At least for one more year, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School students who wish to participate in bowling as an interscholastic activity will do so in another district's program.
H-M-S students have been participating in Sioux Central's bowling program through a sharing agreement that also includes Spencer. In Iowa, the high school bowling season is conducted at the same time as basketball and wrestling.
During consideration of the current agreement's renewal at Monday's board meeting, Superintendent Patrick Carlin said he had met with the owners of Bowl Mor in Sanborn. They indicated "a ton of students" were interested in bowling and thought H-M-S should have its own program.
According to discussion, Carlin asked the bowling center to have people indicate to him how many students would participate in high school bowling next year. As of the meeting, responses indicated that four boys and three girls were interested. In order for H-M-S to have full boys' and girls' teams, six students are required.
Carlin said that H-M-S would like to have its own bowling program but current numbers do not make that possible. The board concurred with his recommendation to continue the sharing agreement with Sioux Central.
"I don't see any other choice," said Board Member Scott Vollink.
• Teaching, coaching positions filled
Also during the meeting, certified contracts were issued to Jay Eilers, elementary special education teacher; Nicole Lewis, K-6 music teacher; Tayla Coady, elementary teacher; and Brittany Johnson, art teacher.
Eilers will also serve as head football coach, assistant boys' basketball coach and boys' weight room supervisor. A contract will be issued to him next month for the assistant high school boys' track position.
Additional contracts were issued to Kirsten Noska, girls' weight room supervisor; Jenni Van Otterloo, assistant girls' basketball coach; Tom Lidiak, middle school boys' basketball coach; and Angie Mayer, assistant middle school volleyball coach. Authorization was also given for Tad Knobloch to serve as a volunteer high school softball coach.
Principal Nate Hemiller said this was the first time since he has been at H-M-S that all high school teaching and coaching positions have been filled this early.
The only resignation received was from Kyle Borchers, girls' weight room supervisor.
• District finances on target
Carlin reviewed the district's general fund financial indicators with the board. Four areas were covered and Carlin said all were trending according to goals set by the board.
The ratio of unspent balance to budget authority is slightly lower than the targeted amount. Carlin noted that the district must have enough budget authority in order to spend revenues it receives.
H-M-S's solvency ratio is slightly higher than the goal of 17 percent. Planned overspending is intended to reduce that to the targeted amount. That plan is reflected in the amount of general fund spending compared to the total budget.
"It's not a big deal," Carlin said. "We knew we were going to do that. Our plan was carried out."
The amount of available cash in the general fund will cover four months' spending. The targeted goal is to have enough to pay three months' expenses.
The general fund cash balance at the end of April was $3.3 million. Carlin noted part of the current balance reflects COVID-related funding.
"I feel the district will be where the board wants it to be," he concluded.
"We're doing exactly what we want to do," said Board President Scott Heetland.
