Long-time board members honoredby Mary Le Arneal The North Bend Central Board of Education meeting began with the recognition of two former members. Dan Wesely had served 22 years on the board, the last eight as president. Jeff Bauer had served 20 years. Interim superintendent Galen Boldt presented the two with imprinted Tiger statues in recognition of their service to the district. It was noted that the $1.5 million put in the General Fund Special Money Market at Platte Valley Bank had earned $2,289.86 in interest in the last month. The Bond Fund has $2 million that has earned interest of $3,053.15. These funds are monies collected from taxes and other sources that will be used for district expenses throughout the school year. The interest earned will go back into the general or bond fund. Rather than have the funds sit in the school account, they are working for the school. “With interest rates rising the past several months, we decided to look for avenues of investment to earn interest on accounts where we have cash-flow money available,” Boldt said. “Platte Valley Bank has offered the school special money markets to allow us to earn interest while still managing our accounts to ensure our ability to pay bills.” Activities director Jon Baehr and Booster Club board member David Hild spoke to the board about the fund raising for the scoreboards for the football, softball fields and an additional one for Tiger Arena. They have raised $160,000 of the $310,000 needed to purchase the video boards. Hild said they focus on local businesses but do talk to businesses with a connection to North Bend. There are some people making in-kind donations. They need to raise the money by June to order the video boards and have them in place for fall sports. A discussion followed on where the actual money is going and finding people with the capability to operate these scoreboards. Summer projects were brought up. It was decided to start the next board meeting, April 10, at 5:30 in order to walk through both facilities and see what needs to be done. Another $50,000 was transferred from the general fund to the lunch fund. There have been additonal expenses with one worked unable to work. The board did not raise the cost of lunches after the government paid for lunches during COVID. Boldt suggested that the lunch program needs to make a budget. The Safety Committee met with good results. Members of the board, administration, North Bend fire department, Dodge County Sheriff department and more were in attendance. It was suggested that staff have a photo ID. “It was a good meeting with good people and everyone listening,” Boldt said. In other news: • Sara Castillo has been hired as director of Media Services for the district.
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