The Crookston School Board met Monday night and heard a presentation by Kelly Smith, Vice President of Springstead Inc., who commended the Board on their upgrade from A3 to A2 in their general obligation unlimited tax (GOULT) rating, which, he said, reflects the school district’s moderate, but growing tax base; average resident wealth indices; strengthened financial position and liquidity levels; and manageable debt and pension burdens. The credit opinion was issued by Moody’s Investors Service. “Each year Moody’s comes and asks a series of financial questions to determine the financial stability of the district,” Business Manager, Laura Lyczewski explained. “This year we were granted an improvement in our rating – we went from an A2 to an A3 rating, which is a significant benefit for the school district, if we need to go out and borrow additional money, as we’ll get a lower interest rate. It’s a great thing, we’re happy to have it, and it’ll keep the district financially secure.”
The Board also approved an employment agreement increase with Mike Delorme, Assistant Mechanic at the Bus Garage, from 28 hours per week to 40 hours per week with benefits; and approved the employment of Gayathri Venkatachalam as Title Aide at Highland Elementary School.
The Board also approved the list of Winter Coaches.
Boys Basketball – Head Coach Greg Garmen, Assistant Robbe Nessler, 9th Grade Tyler Porch, 8th Grade Wade Hanson, 7th Grade: Travis Ross, and Volunteers: Kevin Weber and Tom Anderson.
Girls Basketball – Head Coach Darin Zimmerman, Assistant Leah Kent, 9th Grade Tayler Christiansen/Katie Houdek, and 7th Grade: Brandi Nesseth.
Boys Hockey – Head Coach Josh Hardy, Assistants – Connor Morgan and Sam Melbye.
Girls Hockey – Head Coach Jaclyn Martin and Assistant Tim Moe.
Wrestling – Head Coach Wes Hanson, Assistants – Chris Dufault, Jake Larkin, and Nate Merten. Volunteer coach Zach Berube.
Danceline – Co-Head Coaches Adrianne Winger and Sarah Kanten.
Speech – Phyllis Hagen and Gaye Wick
One Act – Beth Carlson
Skating – Erica Uttermark
Knowledge Bowl – Kristen Alston
Jr. High Knowledge Bowl – Katelyn Stegman.
