Dieterich Board Discusses Levy, Dual Credit Opportunities

Dieterich school board members Monday heard from Superintendent Cary Jackson that the tentative tax levy for the new fiscal year is just over 13% higher than what was extended for taxes this past year.

Jackson told the Board that the increase is due to an increase in Equalized Assessed Valuation of property in the school district as well as new construction in the district. Additional need was reflected in the IMRF, the Social Security Fund and the Tort Fund.

Jackson said the levy estimates are set at a higher amount than are actually collected to ensure that the District can collect the tax dollars that are available. A public hearing on the levy is set for the December meeting.

The December meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 16, because other district activities are scheduled for Tuesday, December 15. The 15th activities will include the elementary Christmas concert, and a public forum during which the Board hopes to get citizen input on a variety of topics.

Junior-Senior Principal Kevin Haarman reported on progress with Lake Land College to increase the number of dual credit opportunities at Dieterich High School. There are currently 17 semester credit hours available through Lake Land. Haarman projects as early as the 2016-17 school year there will be as many as 36 semester credit hours available to Dieterich students through Lake Land.

Current dual credit opportunities at Dieterich exist in Health Occupations, Intro to CAD, Intro to Drafting and Integrated Software. Additional opportunities would include Algebra III, Calculus, Finite Math, Statistics, and Strategies for Success.

The Board was also updated on the Dieterich After School Program. The program currently has 30 students registered with daily attendance averaging between 15-25 students. Director Stephanie Fuesting reported that the program has been very well received and is an asset to the community. Jackson reported that, financially, the program is nearing a break-even point is projected to be financially sound at year end. However, the Board will also have to look for a new director for the program, as Fuesting has resigned from the post.

The Dieterich board accepted a letter of retirement from District Treasurer Gloria Adams, who will be retiring from the position at the end of December after 50 years iwth the district. A recognition celebration is planned during the annual District Christms Breakfast on December 22. The Board appointed Rae Lyn Schmidt as District Treasurer.

Also Monday, the Dieterich board approved Clayton Campton as a volunteer assistant junior high boys' basketball coach.