Fire Income Distributed, Wayne Appointed to Board

SEELEY LAKE – Seeley Lake Elementary School Board discussed the income SLE received from the Rice Ridge Fire.

SLE received $120,770 for the facility rental and food income for the school’s use during the Rice Ridge Fire. After expenses, $48,685 was profit.

SLE spent $2,856 on HEPA filters for the classrooms, $14,375 on the $500 employee stipend and $4,200 on a new walk-in cooler. The remaining $27,254 is available. The board verbally agreed to reserve these funds for preschool if needed.

Superintendent Chris Stout said the Ortenberg Foundation has approved the preschool grant for this year however next year’s funding is still in question. He is continuing to work to secure the funding.

“I hate to think that we need a fire camp every year but it is a nice influx of cash into the system,” said Board Chair Todd Johnson.

During the meeting, the board also appointed Gary Wayne to the open trustee position. Wayne was the only person that expressed interest in the position that runs through 2019. Johnson recommended appointing Wayne. The board unanimously approved.

The next meeting will be held at 4:45 p.m. Dec. 19.