School supplies for teachers were discussed during a budget review at Monday’s Mitchell School Board meeting. School Board member Terry Aslesen suggested a 100 dollar increase for supplies for each elementary teacher as well as an overall 10 percent increase at Mitchell Middle School and Mitchell High School. That would be a total increase of $17,800 for the district. He suggested a budget reduction on some technology items could fund the supply increases. School Board President Deb Olson says the elementary schools are not fully spending the existing supply budgets. Aslesen countered that teachers spent what they were allowed to spend.
Aslesen also proposed a 20 percent increase in travel funds at each school and an increase in professional development funds. Mitchell Schools Superintendent Joe Childs says the budgets and funding will be monitored.
No action was taken. The budget is expected to be approved next month.