School’s Track Project Heads In Different Direction In Wolf Point

The plan of improving Wolf Point High School’s track hit a hurdle during the school board meeting on Monday, April 14.

The bid for a post-tension track and surfacing was in the neighborhood of $1.5 million.

Superintendent Dr. David Perkins expressed his worry that spending that amount of money would drain down the school district’s Impact Aid fund. He said it would reach a point that he isn’t comfortable with at this time.

He explained some school functions are actually paid with Impact Aid funds.

Perkins said building projects such as the bus barn, weight room and football stands used mainly ESSER funds, but also were partly paid for by Impact Aid funding. Also, there is also currently an uncertainty of grant money available.

He suggested trustees consider the less expensive approach of improving the track, which including scraping and resurfacing the track. Cost is estimated at $400,000 to $500,000.

The project would need to be put out for bids. Perkins is hopeful that the project can still be completed this summer.

Trustees, citing school repairs and hope for a new school at some point, agreed with Perkins’ recommendation regarding the track.

In his superintendent report, Perkins pointed out the need for another bus for activities. He said two buses are currently being repaired. Spring is especially a challenge with so many activities scheduled.

As far as buses being used for summer activities including sports camps, Perkins said the school district can lease but the group needs to provide insurance. He feels the booster club has raised funds to pay for the insurance.

Trustees accepted the resignations of Jacob Bradshaw as music teacher, Tracel Adams as Northside paraprofessional, Tyrone Darnell as assistant cook and John Plestina as substitute teacher.

Hired were Jeff Harada as substitute teacher, Janielle Derden as records keeper/ assistant cook and Mike Holman as Northside librarian.