Doug Ditch

The meeting discussed methods to increase the visibility of Larimore Schools, including the newsletter, billboard, information in the Gleaner, and radio spots. The committee agreed to continue funding the billboard and discussed forwarding more pictures and schedules to the editor of the Gleaner. They also reviewed personnel needs for the current and upcoming year, including the filling of two music positions and a paraprofessional position.

The Larimore City Council and the Larimore School Board held a joint meeting to discuss stimulating growth for both the community and the school district. Key topics included addressing residential housing and childcare needs in Larimore, as well as promoting the city and school district. A joint subcommittee was formed to prioritize goals and develop a strategic plan.

The committee discussed a priority list that was presented after a survey was completed, covering items such as the high school gym roof, remodeling entryways for security, purchasing a new bus, adding AC to the high school gym, expanding pre-school options, converting high school lights to LED, carpeting elementary classrooms, reconditioning the track, constructing a pre-school center, and replacing the scoreboard and lights at Lien Field. They also discussed the current building fund balance and what projects can be completed in the summer of 2026. Additional topics included upgrading the fire alarm systems, a structural engineering study for the high school gym roof, bids for converting lights to LED, issues with the new gym floor at the elementary school, estimates for remodeling entryways for security, and upgrading the high school marquee.

The Larimore School Board met for the Annual Budget and Taxation Hearing to discuss and act on the school tax levy for 2023. The board voted to continue with the General Fund Levy, Miscellaneous Levy, Special Reserve Fund Levy, Building Fund Levy, and Sinking and Interest Levy (New Gym). They also added a special assessment levy of 1.47 mills due to the expected levy from the City of Larimore for infrastructure projects. The board decided to utilize the building fund for the city phase 1 project and add an additional 1.47 mills to pay for the city phase 2 project.

The committee reviewed the master agreement, including base salaries for teachers and hourly salaries for classified employees for the current and upcoming years. Bus driver salaries for Larimore and surrounding school districts were compared. There was discussion regarding teacher salaries for future years, and the committee agreed to gather salary information from surrounding districts for comparison. A request from Northwood High School for Larimore to pay for a Cross Country COOP was approved. A Coop for Wrestling with Midway High School was discussed for the 2026-27 year. Future Coop with Northwood for trap and archery was discussed, but it was determined that it would likely not work. The committee was informed that all winter and fall coaching positions were filled. The need for a dedicated room for the E-Sports team was discussed. Ideas for future activities such as a Lego Club, Art Club, and 6th Grade Golf were presented. The possibility of acquiring a golf simulator was discussed, and the responsibility of providing meals for games was also addressed.