As the 2012-2013 school year came to a close at Wednesday’s Manhattan Ogden school board meeting, there were not only some heartfelt goodbyes to the members moving on to other endeavors but also budget discussions began.
Among those taking their leave, members Walt Pesaresi, Pete Paukstelis, and Beth Tatarko were given a special little presentation where they not only received a gift, but were able to reflect on their time at the table.
Tatarko spent part of her time thanking former Board President Doug Messer for creating the vacancy she had the pleasure of filling.
Paukstelis reflected on not only his time on the board and those he has served with, but also the district as a whole.
Pesaresi gave a tearful goodbye as his 12 year term finally ended, thanking the teachers, the employees and the community for allowing him to have those 12 years to serve.
After the speeches ended, the work on the agenda began as both old and new items still remained.
The board unanimously passed all motions of the night including the non-renewal, the playground surfacing at Frank Bergman and Marlatt with consideration for those handicapped children that may need some special equipment and colored turf, the purchase of a maintenance truck and snow plow attachment, and the budget transfer for the year end.
Once the transfer was complete, Lew Faust, Director of Business Services, brought forth the beginning of the 2013-2014 budget. This segwayed into a discussion of funding for the Interpersonal Skills class at the Manhattan High School West Campus. About 10 people spoke to the board about the benefits of such a class and the programs and activities within that class. The goal they had was to convince the USD 383 school board to create a budget line item to help fund the extra things the class has. The board made no motion at the time.
At their next meeting, Wednesday, July 3, the board will bring their new members to the table and will elect new officials.
