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Don't miss these important meetings
North Branch Area Public Schools is hosting two important meetings on Thursday, Feb. 18. At 6 p.m., in the Sunrise River School cafeteria, all are welcome to attend "School Finance 101," hosted by Schools for Equity in Education's Deb Griffiths. Just in time for budget season, learn how schools are funded and the challenges faced by NBAPS.
Immediately following that one-hour presentation, the district will host the first of three informational meetings on the four-day school week (7 - 8:30 p.m. SRS cafeteria). Early estimates suggest the district could save a minimum of $125,000 annually by implementing such a schedule. Please go to the four-day school week information page to learn more.
Two other public meetings will follow:
Feb. 22: School board room (204), Main Street School, 7 - 8:30 a.m.
Feb. 23: High school auditorium, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: NBAPS has tried to address many of the most commonly asked questions in a frequently asked questions format. Click here to view the four-day week FAQ #1.
The school board will conduct its regular business meeting on Thursday, Feb. 11, in room 204 of the Main Street School. Click here to view the agenda.
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NBAPS to fill school board vacancy
North Branch Area Public Schools is seeking qualified candidates to serve as an appointee to the School Board. Interested parties should contact Anne Lindsay at (651) 674-1011 and request an application packet, which will be delivered via postal mail.
There will be an orientation session for candidates on Feb. 23 and the NBAPS school board will accept applications until Feb. 28. Interviews of finalists will be conducted on March 11, and an appointee named on March 18. The appointee will officially be seated at the April 8 meeting of the school board.
Sunrise and Primary School parent-teacher conferences
Here are the dates for Sunrise River School's upcoming parent-teacher conferences:
Thursday, Feb. 11th - 4-7:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 12th - 7:30-11 a.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 16th - 4-7:30 p.m.
Watch for more detailed information from your child's teacher. Also, remember to visit the Scholastic Bookfair in the Sunrise River Media Center during conferences.
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North Branch VFW replaces lost flags
The North Branch VFW generously donated 6 classroom flags to replace those lost in the August 19 tornado that damaged North Branch Area Middle School. Pictured at right are (l to r): Todd VanErp, Middle School Assistant Principal; Carl Anderson, Sargeant at Arms; Sam Tallarico, Post Commander; and Herman Fenner, Quarter Master.
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Teacher and custodial contracts settled
The North Branch Area Public Schools (NBAPS) School Board and the district's teachers union, the North Branch Education Association (NBEA) have come to an agreement on a two-year contract (2009-2011). The tentative agreement was reached this afternoon (Jan. 15) and union membership voted in favor of the agreement. The school board conducted an emergency meeting at 4:30 p.m. and ratified the contract on a 4-2 vote.
The contract includes a hard freeze in year one, with a soft freeze in year two. That means teachers will receive steps and lanes in year two, with teachers at the top steps to receive a stipend equal to 1.45 percent of salary. The contract in total represents a 1.59 percent increase over the previous contract.
The contract ratification means the district will not be subject to over $100,000 in fines for missing the Jan. 15 deadline.
Here is a podcast of the Jan. 15 emergency meeting:
UPDATE: Custodial contract settled
On Jan. 21, The NBAPS school board reached a tentative agreement with district custodial employees (SEIU Local 284). Union membership will vote on the agreement in mid-February. Details will be released once the membership has had a chance to review the agreement and vote.
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At Jan. 28 work session, school board hears 2010-11 budget forecast
The NBAPS School Board conducted a work session on Thursday, Jan. 28, in room 205 of the Main Street School. The school board was presented with a 2010-11 budget forecast, and discussed the process for appointing someone to replace former school board member Donna Setter, who resigned on Jan. 26. Here is a podcast of the meeting:
Community Engagement Group: Prior to the work session, the school board hosted a Community Engagement Group (CEG) on transportation fees. Click here to see the presentation. The CEG was well attended and there was much discussion on the topic. On Feb. 18, the district is hosting its next CEG, School Finance 101, and is hoping for a large turnout. School Finance 101 will take place in the Sunrise River School cafeteria at 6 p.m.
2010-11 budget: Finance Director Randi Johnson presented the school board with the budget forecast for 2010-11. The district faces a $1.3 million deficit for the coming year it must address, while it also prepares for future year deficits. The school board was given a timeline for public meetings regarding both the four-day school week and budget in general, including the consideration of the four-day school week on Feb. 25, a budget recommendation on March 4, budget public hearing on March 11, and action on the budget recommendation on March 18. Click here to view the forecast presentation, and here to see the timeline and budget fact sheet.
For complete 2010-11 budget and four-day school week coverage, see links at left. All pertinent information regarding either topic can be found there, including public meeting schedules. Both sites also offer feedback opportunities.
Click here to continue reading "At Jan. 28 work session, school board hears 2010-11 budget forecast."
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District contact information
Deb Henton, Ed.D., Superintendent
Independent School District #138
North Branch Area Public Schools
6644 Main Street | North Branch, MN 55056
Phone: 651-674-1000
Fax: 651-674-1010
Looking for North Branch Area Schools in Lapeer County Michigan? Click here.
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