Sheldon, Iowa — The first day of classes for the 2015-16 school year for students in the Sheldon Community School District will be Wednesday, August 26th, with the school year ending June 1, 2016, barring an abundance of snow days next school year.
At Wednesday’s regular monthly meeting of the Sheldon School Board, Superintendent Robin Spears told Board members that legislation has been passed designating August 23 as the earliest start date for public school districts. Previously, state law dictated the school couldn’t start prior to the week containing September 1st, unless individual school districts petitioned the State of Iowa for a waiver allowing them to start school prior to that date. Earlier this year, the State informed districts that the waivers would no longer be granted in most cases. This threw districts across the State of Iowa into limbo until a compromise was reached at the state level. Governor Branstad is expected to sign the new law soon, paving the way for districts across Iowa to firm up their 2015-16 school calendars. You can see the 2015-16 Sheldon Community Schools Calendar by clicking here.
In other action, the Board approved the 2015-16 District Budget of just over $17.86 million. Click here to view the District’s Budget Summary. The Board chose a different auditing firm to conduct the next District Audit. Previously, the Iowa State Auditor’s Office had conducted the District audits, but this year the Board took bids, and voted to accept the low bid from King, Reinsch, Prosser & Co, LLP of Sioux City. The accepted bid was more than $10,000 less than that of the State Auditor’s Office, and $1,000 lower than the nearest competitor.
Superintendent Spears told the Board that the District has been notified by the City of Sheldon that they are considering a proposed amendment to the Urban Renewal (Tax Increment Financing) Plan. The City is required by law to consult with affected taxing entities, including the Sheldon Community School District. City Manager Scott Wynja will appear at the May School Board Meeting to discuss the proposed changes.
Spears also told the Board that interviews to fill the vacant High School Principal position will begin Saturday, April 18th. 24 applications have been received by the District. He also told the Board that the dedication of the completed East Elementary School is scheduled for April 27, from 5 to 7 pm.
The Board also accepted the resignation of Katie Pruiksma from her Middle School Basketball Coaching position, and Carla Kleinwolterink from her Middle School Volleyball Coaching position, as well as awarding several employment contracts, approving four Open Enrollment Applications, and approving the Class of 2015.
The Board voted to move their regular May meeting to Monday, May 11th at 6 pm in the high school library. Regular Monthly Meetings are normally held the 2nd Wednesday of each month, but the Board made the date change due to a scheduling conflict on May 13th.
