The following are news briefs from the Nov. 16 Braham Area School Board meeting:
• The School Board accepted with appreciation a total of $5,025 from seven different donors. The contributions will be used as designated by the donors.
• The School Board thanked all of the volunteers who helped with the “Beauty and the Beast” production.
• A representative from the student council said Braham School clothing will be sold at the Pizza Pub and during home games and matches during the winter season. The student council will also be hosting a Thanksgiving basket food drive to help local families in need.
• An auditor from Burkhardt and Burkhardt reviewed the School District Audit Report. Although the audit was good, the auditor issued a notice to the School Board. The district currently has approximately $40,000 or 5 percent of unassigned funds in reserve. This amount should be raised to 20-25 percent to prevent financial problems.
• The board accepted the bid of $964,800 from Ebert Construction for interior renovations. This bid does not include stoops, stucco, athletic flooring, stage lighting, gym deck treatment or alternate skylight systems. However, some of those projects may be approved in the future.
• Braham Elementary Principal Jeff Eklund congratulated Nick Hohn for being named Elementary Staff Member of the Month for October.
• Activities and Community Education Director Shawn Kuhnke announced juniors Elizabeth Attendorf and Alec Downing are the 2015 EXCEL Award winners. He also thanked all of the Halloween Party donors and volunteers.
• High School Principal Matt Lattimore reported the high school National Honor Society made fleece tie blankets, which will be given to children at a local women’s shelter. The materials were donated anonymously. He also thanked Subway for donating items to the Students of the Month.
• Nov. 16-20 is American Education Week. Superintendent Ken Gagner said he is, “grateful for the hard-working and caring folks at ISD 314.” Gagner noted that 35 students earned a total of 230 University of Minnesota college credits during the 2014-15 school year. The cost to the district was $10,150 as opposed to the combined total of $106,683 the students would have paid if they would have taken these classes after high school. The high school also offers college level courses from other universities. He also acknowledged 15 Braham HONORS recipients, including former Superintendent Greg Winter, for being successful leaders in the Braham School District.
• The December regular School Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, in the B100 – Community Room at the Braham Area High School. Consideration of the final 2016 property tax levy will be an item on the board meeting agenda. Anyone with questions regarding the district’s property tax levy is encouraged to attend the meeting.