BOARD PROCEEDINGS
Rolette Public School District #29
December 1, 2017
The school board of Rolette Public School District #29 held a special meeting on Friday, December 1, 2017 in the office of the Superintendent.
Board Members present:Mike Stewart, Lori Knudson, Richard Arstein, Wade Grenier and Ryan Pederson. Others present: Superintendent Wade Sherwin, High School Principal Katie Crofutt, Miranda Norby, Jason Nordmark, Drew Norby, Michelle Beaver, Gabriel Beaver and Business Manager, Michele Grenier.
President Stewart called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
Greniermoved and Pederson seconded to approve the agenda. Motion carried with all members present voting aye.
Ms. Crofutt explained options on the district sponsoring high school math teacher, Jema Acra for a green card. Option 1, would be via H1B1 Visa, which would require her after 6 years in the US to return for one year to her country of origin. Option 2, would be via the Labor Certification Application for Permanent Employment, the process for an employee to obtain lawful permanent residence status, a green card filed by the district. There are three steps to this second option. Step 1: File application; Step 2: File Form 1-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker; Step 3: Application for Adjustment of Status, Form i-485 or consular processing. The third step would be completed by the employee. The attorney Ms. Crofutt spoke with implied this would be a two year process. Pederson spoke with Senator Heitkamp and Congressman Kramer’s offices concerning Ms. Acra. Ms. Crofutt and Ms. Acra spoke with Senator Heitkamp’s office on 11/30. Currently, Ms. Acra has refiled her paperwork to try and obtain her work permit back within the next three months. The board requested administration set criteria for the position and start advertising now.
Arstein moved and Knudson seconded to approve Joan Norby as a long-term substitute for high school math teacher at the rate of $350 per day, with no other benefits. Discussion was held on this rate, cost to the district and how this will affect long term subs. The board agreed that obtaining a qualified substitute to teach math at all levels was vital to the students. Roll call vote: Knudson-aye; Arstein-aye; Grenier-aye; Pederson-aye; Stewart-aye. Motion carried.
President Stewart opened the floor to Michelle Beaver who requested to ask a question. She inquired as to how long Ms. Acra’s work permits are valid. Ms. Grenier stated that the work permits are valid for one year.
Drew Norby and Gabriel Beaver exited the meeting at 8:32 a.m.
The board agreed that additional meetings and information are needed before proceeding to sponsor Ms. Acra.
With no further discussion, President Stewart adjourned the meeting at 8:33 a.m.
APPROVED: Mike Stewart, President
ATTEST: Michele Grenier, Business Manager