HURON — Business Manager Kelly Christopherson told Huron School Board Monday night that students will begin signing up for driver’s education classes, and proposed raising the price for taking the course.

Last year 132 students were in the course at $350 each, raising $46,200. Expenses last year were $44,650 for instructors and another $2,100 for fuel, for a total cost of $46,800 to provide the program.

Christopherson recommended raising the cost to $400, which was approved by the board.

Superintendent Dr. Kraig Steinhoff presented his report to the board, saying that  the Activity Director position closed with 16 applications. “I am very pleased and impressed with the applicant pool,” Steinhoff said. “It will be challenging to select finalists for interviews and then to pick the candidate that Kelly and I will bring to you for approval at our meeting on Feb. 12.”

He also added that the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau Governmental Affairs Committee is hosting the 2024 State of the Schools Luncheon on Thursday at the Huron Event Center and he will be presenting.

Madison 2-3 Center Principal Heather Rozell presented the January Classified Employee of the Month award to Steve DeBoer, night custodian at Madison 2-3 Center.

Destinni Girton with McKinley Learning Center Preschool Special Education shared news that they are no longer on RDA or Indicator 6, meaning all the students are learning in an educational environment that is least restrictive for their needs, and Indicator 7, the area of social emotional development, has shown a really good improvement.

Currently in the reverse inclusion preschool they are serving 29 students with three more in the evaluation process, indicating a continuous growth in numbers. The entire McKinley School is serving over 70 students, a number that has doubled since moving into the building.

Other action approved by the board:
• Grant funding requests by Washington 4-5 Center for classroom furniture and competitive cheer and dance for camps, clinics and travel expenses, with any unused funds going toward a Marley dance floor.
• Advertising agreement renewals with Precision Auto Body and Design, Midcontinent Communications, Ellwein Brothers Distributing and Olympic Motors for 2024.
• Change order No. 3 on the tennis court project, reduction of $26,400.

The next school meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12.