California R-I School Board checks out buildings, raises tax levy rate

Marty Albertson, left is presented with a Resolution by Steven Burger, president of the California R-I School Board. The Resolution recognizes the achievements of Albertson in the years he served as superintendent before retiring at the end of June. Albertson is now head football coach.
Marty Albertson, left is presented with a Resolution by Steven Burger, president of the California R-I School Board. The Resolution recognizes the achievements of Albertson in the years he served as superintendent before retiring at the end of June. Albertson is now head football coach.

The regular monthly meeting of the California R-I School Board on Wednesday, Aug. 17, was preceded by a walk-through of the three buildings and public hearing for the tax levy rate.

The board met at 5:30 p.m. at the high school to see the work done over the summer to ready the school for the incoming students. The board and administrators then toured the middle school and the elementary school before going to the meeting room for the tax levy rate hearing.

The assessed value of personal property in the school district dropped, resulting in an assessed valuation of about $1.43 million less than last year.

As a result, the Tax Rate Levy was raised slightly to $3.0203 per each $100 of assessed valuation. The debt service levy remains the same as last year at 94.38 cents per $100.

The total tax rate levy is $3.9641 as compared to $3.9097 for last year.

Following setting of the new tax levy rate, the board recognized Marty Albertson for his years as superintendent. This year he will serve as football coach.

The school handbooks were discussed, with the board asking for clarification of some areas.

The cell phone policy is changed for this year. Previously, cell phones could be left on until school started. This year, cell phones must be turned off as soon as the students are in the school, whether or not the school day has started.

A policy on excessive days off has been changed at the middle school with the possibility of a student being dropped from enrollment after missing a certain number of days. Students exceeding that number before returning may have to go through the enrollment process again.

Elementary Principal Terri Steffes reported enrollment of 578 the day before the start of school. Elementary students are being challenged to read 100 books this school year.

Middle School Principal Matt Abernathy reported enrollment of 292. Enrollment is expected to be 296 once the transfers are final.

High School Principal Mike Hight reported enrollment of 435 in all categories as of Aug. 10. There are from eight to 10 students planning on graduating early in December.

The next regular monthly meeting will be Wednesday, Sept. 21.

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