Donors to fund training, seek sponsorships for Luverne schools

Luverne School District is in line to receive gifts of $3,500 for technical training and possibly $20,000 in sponsorships.
The offers surfaced during the community input session prior to the July 23 meeting of Luverne School Board members —  who were left speechless.
The silence was broken by a simple “Thank you” from Board Chairman Dave Riphagen.
 
Exchange State Bank to sponsor training for plasma cutter
Speaking first were Don Bryan and Ryan DeBates with Exchange State Bank.
As a result of recent electrical upgrades, the high school shop and ag areas are able to accommodate new equipment that includes a plasma cutter and computer-aided drafting system.
“We are here to see if you would let the Exchange State Bank sponsor the (plasma cutter) training,” Bryan said.
Cost of the instructor training is $3,500.
Contacted after the meeting, Bryan, a former School Board member, said the offer to pay for the training was the direct result of a conversation with the district’s new superintendent, Craig Oftedahl.
The casual mention of the plasma cutter and training costs sparked Bryan to inquire if Exchange State Bank officials could sponsor the training.
“It’s great for the ag and graphic arts department to use it,” Bryan said.
The plasma cutter applies skills in metal cutting, technology, art and agriculture skills necessary in a variety of jobs involving technical skills.
“It’s the wave of the future,” he said,
The monies could be directed through the Luverne School Foundation (LSF) to cover the training costs. Bryan is also an LSF board member.
 
New sponsorships
could bring in $20,000
for School Foundation
Cory Bloemendaal and Lisa Dinger, representing LSF at the board meeting, made the second offer to assist the school.
Bloemendaal said with the permission of the School Board the Foundation could establish a more secure source of funding, which has been a problem for the foundation.
“One big problem — we need money,” Bloemendaal told the group. “We have come up with a terrific idea and we would like to pitch it to you.”
The Foundation has relied on an endowment by the late Harvey “Allie” Ordung received in 2009 for projects or funding requests from Luverne Public School staff, Bloemendaal said.
About $3,000 to $4,000 is given out annually by the LSF. For larger projects, the group conducts special fundraisers.
Among the recent awards were five Chromebooks to an elementary teacher, the 3D printer for the high school graphic arts department, improved shot put and discuss throwing areas, and assistance in upgrades for the school’s tennis courts.
Bloemendaal asked if the Foundation could sell sponsorships to events conducted at the football field. The sponsors’ names would be broadcast on the District’s scoreboard.
The preliminary plan has the Foundation offering about eight three-year sponsorships.
The sponsorships could sell for as much as $2,500 each, potentially netting the Foundation $20,000.
“The more we build our general fund … the more projects we can fund,” added Dinger.
The board discussed the Foundation’s request at their July 28 workshop.