School board approves resolution on primary election

The New Prague Area School Board approved a resolution requiring a primary election if more than seven candidates file for school board seats this fall.

The filing period begins Tuesday for three seats on the seven-member board. A new state law requires the district to hold a special election if more than two candidates apply for each open seat.

The primary election would be held September 13, with voters choosing up to three candidates. The top six vote getters would be on the November 8 ballot.

The terms of Tim Heinen, Rod Tietz and Diane Weyrick expire at the end of the year. Heinen, who has served for 11 years, and Tietz, who has served for seven years, have said they do not plan to run for another term. Weyrick, who is completing her first four-year term, has not declared her intentions.

For more information on filing, see the article on the front page.

Health and safety issues

Operations Director Tim Rybak went over several health and safety issues of the district. The state requires the district to complete a number of forms ensuring that the district complies with all health and safety policies.

Rybak addressed indoor air quality issues. He also reported on a Mock-OSHA inspection his staff did. The inspection identified several items that need to be addressed before the beginning of the 2005-06 school year.

Communications report

Communication Director Tom Hoen, completing his first year on the job, gave a report on his activities during the past year. Hoen presented a collection of printed materials his department had worked on, went over some of the accomplishments of the department and outlined the Communications Plan that he is working on.

Technology plan

Rybak gave a brief overview of the technology department’s strategic plan, including the three core areas of the plan, integration, standards and enrichment.

Construction

Superintendent Dr. Frankie Poplau reported that contractors are beginning to mobilize, with some machinery already in place at the New Prague construction site. She said she expects crews to begin moving dirt within a week. An official groundbreaking ceremony will be held July 18.