Community donations prompt thanks from board
NEW KNOXVILLE — The New Knoxville Board of Education made quick work of its annual organizational meeting on Monday night ahead of conducting its regular business meeting. The main topic of the evening was the generosity of the community that supports the school and its students.
Two donations were accepted for the FFA program with Bambauer Fertilizer and Seed donating $8,000 to install welding booths for students to learn the valuable skill of welding. Additionally, the school accepted $ 4,097.07 in donations from 12 area farmers who donated through the Gifts of Grain Campaign.
The Gifts of Grain Campaign was chosen as a fundraiser to fund the short-term needs of the new FFA chapter as well as plant the seed for future needs.
“We started with a zero amount so we’re just trying to build some initial funds to pay for some of the things we need,” FFA Adviser Dustin Knapke said.
Some of those initial needs include formal dress for meetings and registration fees for competitions.
Knapke asked local farmers to donate some of their grain harvests from the fall to the FFA which was then sold at the market price for the day. The sale of the grain determined the donation amount.
“We had some farmers donate actual bushels (of grain) but a lot of them wound up just giving us a set dollar amount,” explained Knapke. “I think there’s still a little more out there from some who said they would give to us but haven’t gotten it in yet.”
Knapke added that the overall reception from area farmers has been one of excitement and acceptance for the FFA program. He is looking forward to the FFA program continuing the success it has enjoyed in its first few months. Earlier in the year, New Knoxville won third place in the state for ag technical mechanical systems competition.
Board members were also grateful for the support the community has given the young program. Brian Lammers said he appreciated the community’s help, acknowledging that it is difficult to get a new program started, let alone doing it during a pandemic.
Credit was also given to teachers and coaches for their patience, creativity and resilience as they have been conducting business all year in less than ideal situations.
“COVID has taken a lot out of all of us but our teachers have been troopers and they keep doing everything they can to keep our kids safe while they learn,” board President Michelle Neuman said.
“The coaches are also doing amazing things.
They come in wanting to help kids, not wanting to wear a mask while they’re in a hot gym, encouraging the kids, but they do what they have to do to make things possible for the kids,” added Lammers. “We can make a huge list of all the inconveniences that we have to deal with and it’s the people in our building with a passion for the kids who make everything possible every day.”
During the organizational meeting, Neuman was reelected for another term with Ryan Miltner continuing as the vice president. Board members all agreed to continue in their current roles on various committees.
Meeting dates were reaffirmed for 7 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month.