Goessel board feels impact of state cuts

Written by Cynthia Goerzen Tuesday, 21 May 2013 16:19

The Goessel school board spent a considerable time discussing budget issues during its May 13 regular meeting.

Business Administrator Chet Roberts said state aid five years ago amounted to $4,400 per student, but has been reduced to $3,838 per student. Even though Goessel has 20 more students than five years ago, the drop in state funding makes a difference.

In addition, Roberts said the state is paying only 80 percent of its commitment.

“All districts are having to deal with it,” he said.

Board member James Wiens added, “We can expect less state funding,” which puts more responsibility on the local community.

Regarding the local option budget, Superintendent John Fast said, “As we go up on the LOB, we maximize state aid...

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HHS graduates 52 seniors during breezy ceremony

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 21 May 2013 16:17

Principal Max Heinrichs gives some last-minute advice in the locker rooms inside the Tabor Athletic Center, which served as the staging area. Fifty-two seniors received their diplomas at the 107th commencement for Hillsboro High School on a breezy and overcast Saturday at Joel H. Wiens Stadium.

The Class of 2013 was led from the Athletic Center on the north end of the stadium to the staging area by the high school faculty, who, for the first time in memory, were wearing the regalia of their alma maters.

Three seniors addressed the participants. Valedictorians Bailey Kauf­man and Tena Loewen reviewed the class’s journey through the school system.

Salutatorian Joshua Wiebe, citing a quote from professional basketball icon Michael Jordan, challenged his classmates to learn as from failure as from achievement.

Also addressing the graduates were Superintendent Steve...

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Refinancing to save USD 410 $352,500

Written by Aleen Ratzlaff Tuesday, 21 May 2013 16:16

 Unified School District 410 Board of Education approved at its May 13 regular meeting refinancing its bonds for a savings of $352,500.

The action followed the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act hearing, which is required before approving and issuing tax-exempt bonds that could benefit a private entity, in this case Tabor College.

The board also approved the Tax and Securities Compliance Procedures Resolution regarding written policies and procedures required by the IRS.

Last month, a representative of Piper, Jaffray and Co., which manages the district’s bonds, met with the board about refinancing. He said he anticipated a savings of $200,000, based on interest rates in April.

But a decrease in interest rates since then...

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Canton-Galva elementary students combine fitness, fun

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 21 May 2013 16:14

Canton-Galva Elementary School students gather in front of the “Eagles” they earned through a fitness program that set a goal for each student to run six miles. About 120 students at Canton-Galva Elementary School in Canton participated in a fitness program that saw them run a combined total of some 600 miles.

The program was the brainchild of Jeff Savage, who teaches physical education classes at the school.

“We do the fitness run in PE three times a week,” he said. The challenge was for each student to run the equivalent distance from Canton to Galva, about six miles.

To keep accurate track of their progress covered, students worked in pairs of two. Savage said its 28 laps around the outer edge of the gym floor to cover one mile. As one student ran, the other would hand that student a lollipop stick as he or she passed by until the student collected 28.

“I had a great big barrel of...

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