Dierks School Board approves bonus for all district employees

Monday night, Dierks Superintendent Jody Cowart reported the district’s ending balance was down $67,000 from last year. He also stated revenue was down, but the district had received some additional funds for the food service department and an ELC grant in the amount of $51,716.

Board members accepted the low bid from Mainstream AC for the air purifiers and a bid for a new roof top HVAC unit from Carver Heating and Air in the amount of $29,700. Cowart stated the district would use the ELC grant funds to pay for the air purifiers and ESSR III funds for the roof top unit.

Cowart stated the district has been on the state’s enhanced transportation list and encouraged them to remain on the list once a new superintendent is hired and new board members installed. Cowart said the district received $35,000 this year by being included on the list. Board members then voted to lease a 71-passenger Thomas model bus from Midwest Bus Sales.

Cowart then recommended a $500 a non-reoccurring bonus for all school employees. The total cost to the district will be $45,800.