5 things to know from the February PCM School Board meeting

1. Superintendent Brad Jermeland gave an update on the process of adding a school resource officer for the district. He said he reached out to schools similar in size to PCM and inquired whether a SRO was in use. Of the 11 schools that replied, one has a SRO while three others have a person in a similar position.

The biggest question for the three entities involved, the district, the City of Monroe and the City of Prairie City, is who will employee the officer. While the officer will spend the majority of the time at the school, they will need to be officially employed by either the Monroe or Prairie City police department.

Jermeland said he plans to attend city council meetings in both communities to update the councils on the progress that has been made and answer any additional questions. He also will work with city leaders and police chiefs to determine who will employ the officer.

2. Several new classes were approved for the high school for the next school year. Students will have a chance to explore new studies in the areas of fine arts, business and math as the district updates previous classes and adds new opportunities.

On the register for next year are: Crafts, a course that introduces students to a wide range of traditional crafting media, including drawing, painting, fabric, wood, clay, printmaking, and paper. Entrepreneurship, a course now offered as concurrent enrollment through DMACC that examines the introductory business applications and strategies needed to start and operate a small business. International Business, a class where students will learn about business management and administration in a global economy. Banking and Financing, a course that provides students with an overview of the American money and banking system, as well as types of financial institutions and the products and services they offer. Sports and Entertainment Marketing, a class that introduces students to basic marketing concepts and refines and applies them to amateur sports and sporting events, entertainment or entertainment events,and the sales or rental of supplies and equipment. Personal Finance, a new required course for students to reinforce general mathematic topics and apply those skills to budgeting, taxation, credit, banking services, insurance, buying and selling products and services, home and/or car ownership and rental, managing personal income and investment.

3. A speed and agility morning program was approved by the board. The program, instructed by Conner Warrick with athletic director Greg Bonnett providing oversight, is a voluntary time for students to complete skill specific workouts.

The program has a $50 fee for three months of classes. The fee can be waived for families who are unable to pay.

4. A new broiler for the middle school was approved for purchase and installation from Van Ryswyk Plumbing and Heating for approximately $19,320. According to PCM Director of Facilities and Transportation Jeff Shannon, the broiler current in place is old and needs to be restarted several times throughout the day.

5. Also approved are new bleachers at the softball field. Due to several incidents involving spectators at the games, the district looked into replacing the seating. The board gave Jermeland the OK to seek bids for the bleachers up to $25,000. He will consult with board president Steve Nearmyer before making the purchase.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com