ELLSWORTH — Parents expressing disapproval about a transgender film shown at Ellsworth Middle School wasn’t all that happened at Ellsworth School Board’s April 12 meeting.

Budgetary items for action raised questions from board member Gary Kressin, who had a hard time voting on projects when funds haven’t been received from the state yet. Superintendent Barry Cain explained how school district finance works. He also explained that it’s necessary to approve projects before contractors’ schedules fill up, otherwise they might not get done.

The board approved all budget items 6-1, with Kressin dissenting. The biggest item on the list is the middle school chiller, which will cost about $350,000 to replace. The middle school high wall project came in almost $100,000 less than expected, which was good news.

Other items of note are replacing a school bus ($95,000), technology items ($181,946), high school north gym ceiling and wall painting ($60,000), crack filling and sealing of parking lots, and more.

School Board President Doug Peterson explained that most of the items on the list are annual maintenance expenses the district expects and budgets for. As for the middle school chiller project, funds may come from Fund 46, a fund used for saving up for capital projects, or from state funds for COVID relief (since HVAC systems have to do with air quality and circulation).

The board approved the following district personnel changes: New hires for the 2021-22 school year: Alexis Edison, second grade; Robin Gray, fifth grade; Emily Lansing, 4YK teaching assistant; Paige Pax, second grade; Taylor Sharratt, EMS/EHS English teacher; Jessica Weyer, third grade.

Transfer, beginning with 2021-22 school year: Sarah Ainsworth from 4YK teacher to kindergarten teacher; Tessa Figi from fifth grade teacher long-term sub to fifth grade teacher; Karen Hartung from fifth grade teacher to sixth grade Social Studies teacher; Erin Knegendorf from district-wide .60 FTE substitute teacher to 4YK teacher; Alexis Muller from EES teaching assistant to second grade teacher long-term sub; Jenny Peterson from Middle School Health Aide to Middle School Administrative/Health Assistant.

Resignations: Clint Alexander, EHS/EMS English teacher; Tana Langer, fifth grade teacher; Megan Pearson, EES special education teaching assistant; Andrea Wallin, fifth grade teacher.

The board approved the following staffing updates for the 2021-22 school year:

•Grade 2: Add one position as per original plan (five teachers for 109 students)

•Grade 3: Add one position (five teachers for 94 students)

•Grade 4: Maintain current five-teacher team (92 students)

•EHS: Increase science position from 50 to 67 percent (eight sections)

•EHS: Counseling (move from 28 ¾ to 32 hours) due to enrollment increase (30 students), mental health

•EHS: Adjust health aide duties (no additional cost)

•Pupil services: School psychologist CESA contracted service (two days per week); occupational therapist CESA contracted service (one day per week)

In other business:

•The board approved the job description for the middle school administrative / health assistant.

•The official canvassed election results, signed off on by community member Sue Peterson and Raynee Farrell, confirmed Steven Mark received 1,015 votes, while Katie Feuerhelm received 1,249. Board Clerk Susan Beck administered the oath of office to both for three-year terms.

•ECSD Summer School will return in-person June 7-25 with more than 30 courses. Student capacity per course is limited to 16. Free breakfast and lunch will be offered each day. Registration opens April 19.

•More than 15 camps will be offered in July and August, including Jump Start, academic, interventions, STEM, Fab Lab, cooking, disc golf, archery, basketball, volleyball and more.

Photo by Sarah Nigbor