Sometimes, the best course of action is not fixing what’s not broken.

That’s exactly what the Webster City Community School District’s Board of Directors did, which was keeping their redistricting plan as is in their latest meeting, held on Monday evening in the boardroom at the School Administration Office, 820 Des Moines St. in Webster City.

This was brought up to the school board’s attention, as an aftereffect of the 2020 Census.

Usually, redistricting directors is to line up with voting precincts and population trends, as much as possible. Save for a little bit of change within Webster City’s city limits, it was decided that the current director districts are to be left intact.

In a swift, 25-minute meeting, the school board approved its budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and set a time and date for the district’s 2023-2024 school calendar for April 24.

After approving the agenda, the school board opened up the floor for the 2024 fiscal year budget. With no comments, the board went into closing the hearing.

The tax rate for Webster City is at 12.97, while Northeast Hamilton rate is at 11.48.

“We’ve been working to keep them close together,” said Dr. Mandy Ross, Superintendent for Webster City schools. “The difference is because the Northeast Hamilton school district had paid off their debt prior to merging with (Webster City). That’s why you see two different rates.”

With no objections, the board approved the budget and moved on to redistricting.

Board Secretary Kathy Biere provided information on the subject, as there are three director districts, and two at-large positions on the board. The goal is for the districts to follow the precincts as much as possible.

This time around, the only changes within the districts were within the city limits of Webster City.

Biere recommended for the school district to stay, as is. With some paperwork to the Secretary of State’s office and a resolution, the district’s redistricting plan would be set for some time to come.

“It maintains director districts, and it just lines up with our precincts fit together,” Ross said. “Ultimately, it’s not going to make a huge difference for voters and it’s not worth the headache for the board.”

The board voted favorably on the redistricting plan, and maintained the director districts.

The public hearing date for the 2023-2024 school calendar was brought to the board, which is scheduled for Monday, April 24. It was passed unanimously, and a rough copy is planned to be distributed through social media.

The budget guarantee resolution was next on the docket, which was unanimously passed. This was followed by the Arbitrage Rebate Services for the Advanced Surplus Levy.

It was a follow-up to the board’s move to approve a surplus levy, which was done at the March 27 meeting. Donations were brought up to the board, which are directed toward Northeast Hamilton Elementary School Nurse’s Special Needs Funds.

The donations were provided by the United Church of Christ of Blairsburg and the Williams Lions Club.

Fundraising requests were next, put forward by the music boosters and the Webster City High School football program. The music boosters will sell Empower Nutrition tickets, while the Lynx football team will hold a youth football camp.

Moments later, personnel items were approved.

Ross informed the board on the board planning calendar, along with sending out communication regarding excessive heat protocols. It only affects Webster City High School.

Directors Dave Stokes and Eric Patterson then let the rest of the board know that they recently visited Hamilton High Alternative School awards ceremony.

“That was awesome,” Stokes said. “With our new superintendent coming in, I’d like to see that expanded.”

Stokes also recommended individuals for the Webster City Middle School Principal and the Dean of Student Affairs positions.

“I want to go on record, as I know that we lost Buseman,” Stokes said. “I’d like to strongly suggest (WCMS Assistant Principal) Will Brock to become our next middle school principal,” Stokes said.

Stokes then recommended Clint Howard to be the next Dean of Student Affairs.

“It would keep traditional people in the building, and someone that everyone knows,” Stokes said.

With the resignation of Buseman, the listing for the position will be posted on the district’s help wanted board.

Before adjourning, the board approved consent items. Following adjournment, the board conducted a work session on the Career Ag Academy.

No action was taken during the work session.

The next regular board meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Monday, April 24, in the boardroom at the School Administration Office.