School presses forward for legislative action
By JILL DENNING GACKLE
“I continue to pursue options on our buildings.”
That was the word from Nick Klemisch, Garrison superintendent, speaking to the school board Dec. 20.
Klemisch has been a proponent of using Legacy Funds or other funding sources to help schools make improvements to aging buildings or to pay down existing bonds. He said the response from legislators has been lukewarm thus far but that hasn't deterred him from trying.
“We need to do something. The discussions are starting,” he said. “I don't envision it happening this session but I do plan on attending the legislative session more than I really want to. I think the small schools need to speak up.”
Klemisch's plan is that if the Legacy fund reaches a designated level funds would be distributed to schools statewide.
Lisa Maki, board member, said, “What else is our legacy? It's our kids, our youth.”
Jan Katin agreed. She said North Dakotas often brag about the level of education in the state. “Then prove it,” she said.
He reported that a Bottineau school bond election passed recently on its fourth try, although the amount needed was whittled down to make it passable. He said he is interested to see what happens with a Williston $60 million bond election Jan. 8.
