Bitz resigns as CHS principal

Carrington High School Principal Chrystopher Bitz submitted his resignation Monday, May 9. He is the second CPS administrator to resign this spring, following Superintendent Kris Kuehn's resignation in March.

"My resignation will begin at the expiration of my current contract," Bitz said in his letter. His contract ends on June 30. Bitz has served as the high school principal for just one school year.

"I am extremely grateful for every opportunity granted to me this past year. Carrington Public Schools is filled with exceptional educators, coaches, and students

. . ." Bitz wrote. "My successes would not be possible without each and every one of them. Their guidance and willingness to assist me in my role will be something I will forever cherish as I embark on the next chapter of my career."

The board previously accepted the resignation of Bitz's wife, Sara, at their April 12 meeting.

The board accepted Bitz's resignation at its regular meeting on May 9.

Kuehn reported that high school math instructor Brady Morgan has agreed to become certified in driver's education. The school board agreed to reimburse Mr. Morgan for 50 percent of his tuition costs for the next four semesters, in accordance with school policy. Morgan plans to begin teaching driver's education in the summer of 2023.

Board members also held the first reading of the revised elementary handbook and policy manual. Minor revisions were made. The proposed revisions are linked here: https://www.fosterconews.com/home/cms_data/dfault/pdfs/misc/2022-05-16.pdf. The second reading and final approval of the documents will take place at the June meeting. The high school handbook was tabled to June 20, as Mr. Bitz was not present.

Superintendent Kris Kuehn reported that there are a number of open coaching positions. He accepted resignations from Sara Laib, head softball coach, and Sharon Boehmer, fifth and sixth grade volleyball coach, in the past couple of weeks. Current openings are as follows:

a. Assistant High School Football

b. Head High School Girls' Wrestling

c. Assistant High School Girls' Wrestling

d. Assistant High School Track and Field

e. Junior High Volleyball

f. Head Fast Pitch Softball

g. Assistant Archery

h. 5th and 6th Grade Volleyball

Stadium '76 demolition is forthcoming. Kuehn met with Pat Biel to discuss the timeline, and he plans to start after school is out.

Carr Construction was the sole bidder for the storage building, a total of approximately $33,000. The board accepted the bid, which was lower than anticipated.

According to the financial report, there is nearly $425,000 in the Stadium '76 fund, and Kuehn said there is an additional $15,000 pledged that has not been received. Other needs the board discussed include a chain link fence to enclose an area underneath the stadium, as well as an upgraded sound system. Kuehn said Wednesday that those upgrades will likely be completed "as long as we continue to be under budget and have the funds available."

After much discussion, the board approved a new math curriculum for grades 9-12 called Big Ideas Math, which includes Algebra I and II and Geometry. They will continue to use the Saxon curriculum for grades K-8. The roll call vote passed on a 3-2 margin, with members Angela Kutz and Randy Hooey voting against the proposal. The $15,585 plus tax price tag will be paid for with ESSER III coronavirus relief funds.

Elementary Principal Jenna Helseth's report consisted of a list of upcoming events for the final three weeks of school, including field trips to Marketplace for Kids (May 10), Field Days (May 17-18), Progressive Ag Day (May 17), and the Annual Awards Ceremony (May 26). She has been busy with summer school planning and grade level planning meetings.

Helseth also gave an update on Pre-K and Kindergarten enrollment. There were 36 students enrolled in the new Pre-K program as of Monday, and 40 students is the stated maximum. Kindergarten enrollment sits at 49 right now. They will have two kindergarten classrooms with a full-time paraprofessional in each.

Bitz noted in his written report that he had completed seven of the nine coaches' evaluations. May 18 is middle school Honors Day and graduation May 29.

The next regular school board meeting is set for Tuesday, June 14 at 7 p.m. The Election Canvassing meeting will be held on June 20, along with the first reading of the high school handbook.

Election workers for the June 7 school board election are as follows: Stacy Erickson, Jill Fandrich, Jane Fredrickson, and Amie Schaefer.