Ice rink and staff changes dominate discussion

SEELEY LAKE – The discussion at the Seeley Lake Elementary School Board meeting focused on the proposed ice skating rink and staff changes at their Aug. 21 meeting. The Board will vote on whether to allow a temporary ice rink for this winter at their September meeting.

The board received eight letters in favor of the proposed ice rink. Chair Todd Johnson said the only negative comments the board has received is from SLE staff.

Organizers for the proposed rink Scott Eggeman and Gary Swain offered more information and answered questions.

Swain staked out the 120 foot by 65-foot rink on a fifth of an acre in the southeast corner of the fields. He said this could easily be moved but felt this was a good location because it as far southeast as possible while still accessible to parking. Using the SLE fields is the best location because it is centrally located and requires little site prep.

The rink would be operational from Dec. 1 – March depending on weather. Initially there would be no lights so it would be a daytime activity.

The rink committee and Seeley Lake Lions Club would put in the volunteer hours needed to install boards 12-18 inches high for the rink structure. It may require some sand to further level the area but otherwise there would be very little disturbance to the area for the temporary rink.

Swain said the committee is still deciding whether to install a bladder to surround the rink or just pour the ice on the sand. A benefit of the bladder is it is light colored so it doesn’t absorb the sun. However, the bladder costs $10,000-$12,000 to purchase.

Swain emphasized that the committee would be responsible to maintain the rink, take care of the garbage, plow the ice and shovel a path. Eggeman added that they would probably rent a porta-potty for the winter to put out by the rink.

“Bottom line is this will give kids another activity in the winter to get them away from their X-Box and give them recreation and some physical activity,” said Swain.

Johnson asked why the Lions Club Park doesn’t work. Eggeman said that the Lions Club Park is a challenging sheet of ice because there is still liquid under it.

“To give kids a chance. If you get decent ice it will be easier for everyone to learn,” said Swain.

Swain said that the water could come from the sprinkler system or fire hydrant. In other areas with community ice rinks, they partner with the local fire department.

Board member Ryan Neudecker added that if someone knows of another location, they could bring that forward as a long-term solution should the group want to pursue a permanent structure.

Johnson said that while the majority of public comments received by the board are in support of the ice rink, the biggest concerns he has heard are from the staff and being able to police students on the ice and possibility of injury.

Parking is also a concern during the weekdays. Johnson felt that the parking should be on the east side so some plowing would need to be done.

Also, no alcohol is allowed on the property. The school does not want to be responsible for enforcement.

District Clerk Heather Mincey said that the group would need to carry their own liability insurance. It would not fall under SLE’s policy.

Swain expects that the program will take a while to catch on since skating is foreign to many. He said two to three years would be needed to really gauge the interest in the rink.

Johnson said that he would be hesitant to approve something permanent. However, he would be willing to say yes or no in September for this winter.

“The only negative comments that we have heard that have been addressed to the board are from [SLE] staff. What I would like to hear is from the public, whether they support it or not,” said Johnson. “We are going to vote on it, yes or no, at September’s meeting and they can either send something in to Heather or talk to one of the board members.”

Superintendent Chris Stout is excited that they were able to hire two, second grade teachers. How the class will be split is still being decided.

Bridget Laird will be teaching a Spanish elective to the junior high again this year. How much is taught at the lower grades will depend on her Title 1 load.

As of the meeting, there is no music teacher hired for the year. If they find someone, Stout told the Board he suggested the music teacher spend the first and fourth quarter in Condon and the second and third quarter in Seeley Lake. Since they will most likely live in Seeley Lake it cuts down on winter travel and other logistics should they require a substitute.

The board unanimously approved the suggested hires: Karmen Braulik at 0.5 time as a paraeducator in special education, Brett Haines as the head football coach, Tylen Dial as assistant football coach and Kristy Pohlman as head volleyball coach. Director of Student Support Services Angela Harris was reduced to 0.4 time.

In other business:

• The Seeley Lake Elementary Facebook page is now connected. Updates for sports schedules and other announcements will be linked on both.

• The board unanimously approved the budget for the 2018-2019 school year.

• The board unanimously approved the ReMarkable Cleaning Pro cleaning contract. They were the lowest of two bidders. This eliminates the need for teachers to clean their classrooms like they did last year.

The next meeting is Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Seeley Lake Elementary.