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(NewsDakota.com) The Oakes Public School Board held their regular monthly meeting earlier this week.

The search for Superintendent to replace the outgoing Art Conklin is continuing, and there should be an announcement of a new Superintendent by the end of February. 

The Board was informed that the lights at Cummings Field have been deemed no longer safe, and as a result there can be no school activities at the field before the lights are replaced. The cost of replacement is $26,000, and will be shared between the school district and the Oakes American Legion Post 36.

The scoreboard at Cummings Field will also soon be replaced, as there are no longer parts made for the 20 year old plus scoreboard. The Board chose to go with a $9,800 bid to replace the board which leaves the metal case covering it; instead of an entirely new scoreboard which would have cost $12,500. Conklin said he believes the Legion will pick up half of the cost of the replacement. 

The Board also approved new lighting for the stage in the south gym, and recieved a final cost of the new wellness center/locker room area on the north side of campus at $1,016,000; $16,000 over the original estimate. The $1 million used for the project has already been collected from taxpayers via the district’s general fund.  

A first reading was held on the start and end dates for the 2013-14 school year, which would have school starting on Wednesday August 21, and ending on Wednesday May 21. A second reading will occur at next month’s meeting in order to give those time to ask questions as well as voice any concerns about the schedule. 

The next meeting is set for February 12 at noon.