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*The board heard from secondary principal Lorie Floura that she felt Homecoming overall went well. She said that the students seemed to have fun, both with new activities and traditional ones. She specifically complimented the cheerleaders for organizing pep fests at the elementary school, middle school, and high school.

*The board heard from elementary principal Deb Gillman, also the district's curriculum coordinator, that the initial results are very good with a new student evaluation program, being paid for by the West Central Education District. So far, the district has tested K-2 students, and the data generated is "phenomenal," said Gillman. Teachers are eager to see the data, said Gillman.

She also told the board that two new pieces of equipment have been purchased for the playground, including a safer climbing apparatus to replace the spider web. They have also identified a need for more things for the older (fourth and fifth grade) students. One plan is to take out the large swing set (as replacing it to code would be costly and space consuming) and install a full-size basketball court.

*The board heard from their teacher negotiating committee that they are close to an agreement and still working on it.

*The board approved hiring Donna Ahrens (head judge), Julie Bast, James Paster, and Janice Zumwalde as election judges for the board election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Election hours have been shortened this year; polls will be open from 3-8 p.m., instead of a 12-noon start.

Two years ago, the district had 400 voters at the school board election, so the five-hour polling window was felt to be sufficient. There are only four candidates for four spots this year. Incumbents Mark Dingmann, Deb Glenz, and Allen Schmidt have refiled, as well as newcomer Dave Johnson. Incumbent Tami Stanger did not refile. (See the candidate profiles, starting this week.)

*The board approved raising pay rates and stipends for election judges to $8 per hour and $6 food stipend. Rates had been $7 per hour with a $5 food stipend. It had been several years since these rates were raised, said superintendent Todd Burlingame, and the shorter hours should offset the higher rates as far as overall costs.

*The board approved hiring Kathryn Michaud as a dishwasher/ server, effective Monday, Oct. 3.