New Mitchell Tech equipment, superintendent evaluation on deck for Mitchell Board of Education

Erik Kaufman, The Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
·2 min read

Jan. 7—MITCHELL — The Mitchell Board of Education Monday is expected to consider purchasing new equipment for Mitchell Technical College and conduct its annual evaluation of the district superintendent.

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Mitchell Middle School.

According to the agenda for the meeting, the board will weigh the purchase of a GE AMX Navigate portable X-Ray machine from GE Healthcare for Mitchell Technical College.

The machine would come at an estimated cost of $130,289.52, which would be offset in part by surplusing and trading in an older model currently in the possession of Mitchell Technical College. The board will consider surplusing a Fuji FDR GO with flat panel detector Model DR-ID601SE portable X-Ray machine, with the trade-in going toward purchase of the newer model.

With a $1,000 trade credit from the old machine, the net purchase price would be $129,289.52. In addition to the trade in, funds from the Governor's Office of Economic Development would be utilized to cover two thirds of the cost.

Also at the meeting, the board is expected to consider the following personnel moves:

* The new certified hires of Cris Bietz, assistant wrestling coach, $3,551; William Schiefen, 7th grade assistant boys basketball coach, $1,874; Paul Wilson, assistant wrestling coach, $3,551; Patick Larson, assistant boys basketball coach, $4,427 and Travis Salmonson, freshman boys basketball coach, $2,680. All hires are effective for the 2023-24 school year.

* The new classified hire of Tara Waters, high school library aide, $18 per hour at 7 hours daily, effective Jan. 8, 2024.

* The resignations of Hemily Rivera Latimer, general food service worker at Mitchell High School, effective Dec. 12, 2023; Michelle Buchholz, food service worker at L.B. Williams Elementary, effective Jan. 12, 2024 and Mary Eliason, librarian at Mitchell High School, effective January of 2024.

Also at the meeting, the board is expected to:

* Consider setting the date for the joint county/school election for June 4, 2024.

* Hear board member reports.

* Hear the superintendent report.

* Consider entering executive session to conduct the annual evaluation of the district superintendent.

* Consider offering a new two-year contract to Joe Childs as superintendent of schools.

The meeting is open to the public. The Mitchell Republic will livestream the meeting on its website.