H-BC approves audit, tax levy for 2006

By Lexi MooreHills-Beaver Creek School Board members approved a preliminary audit for the 2004-05 school year at their Monday meeting.The preliminary audit shows a $26,628 deficit for the year.Superintendent Dave Deragisch warned that the numbers can be misleading because, although on paper there is a deficit, the school managed to invest $200,000 in certificates of deposite during that time."The cuts that were made had little impact on the students but a huge impact on our budget," he said."Continued fiscal responsibility by the board and administration will be a must in future years."Following their annual Truth in Taxation meeting, Board members approved the maximum payable levy at $404,412.16 for 2006.Patriot Pride:
Elementary Principal Todd Holthaus presented the board with two certificates signed by the Governor and the Commissioner of Education in recognition of the elementary school receiving a five-star rating in both math and reading.The rating is based on math and reading test scores in third and fifth grades.For academic achievement in reading and math, schools receive three stars for meeting the requirement of adequate yearly progress as stated in the No Child Left Behind bill. Schools may receive additional stars, up to five, for performance above NCLB requirements.H-BC students taking the test during the 2004-2005 school year received high enough scores in math and reading to qualify for the five star rating.Holthaus said that of the 1893 schools in Minnesota, only 193 received five stars in math and 222 in reading.
A huge show of community support helped make this year’s elementary book fair a success.The book fair, which ran for two weeks, sold $3,400 in books, nearly $1,200 more than last year’s total.The book fair, sponsored by Scholastic Books, is an annual event coordinated by H-BC Elementary librarian Sara Oldre. A portion, roughly 40 percent, of the money earned is used to buy new books from Scholastic for the H-BC libraries.
Holthaus recognized the musical talents of sixth-grader Jacob Bos.Bos is a member of the Singing Boys of Sioux Falls. Holthaus attended the group’s Christmas concert last week and said he was "very proud" of Bos’ performance. No gift exchange at the elementary schoolHolthaus announced to the board that his students would not be exchanging gifts with one another this year. Instead, he is encouraging families to bring donations to the Rock County Emergency Food Shelf.In past years, classrooms have had gift exchanges during their classroom parties. This year the party and exchange will be replaced with a movie. The student body will watch a remake of the classic "Miracle on 34th Street."Holtaus also encourages families to give donations in honor of teachers instead of giving the teachers gifts.