FAIRMONT– On Tuesday night, the Fairmont School Board heard from Superintendent Joe Brown regarding an update to the number of students enrolled in College In the School and PSEO classes.

“This time of year we always like to take a snapshot of our college in the school’s program and our post-secondary education options that we have,” Brown said.

Brown said students this school year are earning 2,496 college credits between both programs. He said the total cost to the district is $225,595, but the total savings to students and families is $532,147.

“This saves our local community, our parents, over half a million dollars. I think it’s a phenomenal thing that we do,” Brown said.

Board member Julie Laue asked how the amount of savings to students compares to past years. Brown said last year students saved about $350,000, but because more classes are now offered, more students are taking advantage of it.

He said at the high school right now they offer 22 different college classes and next year they’ll be adding three additional college classes.

“I think the increase in the numbers and savings is incredibly important because anybody with children approaching college or in college, the price of higher education continues to climb and whatever we can do to give the students a good head start to defray some of the cost is a huge advantage,” said board member Rufus Rodriguez.

Moving to other matters, in an effort to encourage more substitute teachers to work in the Fairmont Area School District, it was proposed to raise the pay daily rate from $125 to $150. The staff welfare committee had previously approved of the change and substitute teachers have been receiving the new rate since March 11. On Tuesday night the board approved it.

Board member Mari Myren asked if the pay increase has made a difference.

Fairmont High School co-principal, Alex Schmidt said, “I think it definitely is helping. The elementary school was in greater need than the high school.”

In other news,

–The board accepted a donation from Fairmont Veterinary Clinic for $100 to be used in the FFA program. The donation was made in memory of Dan Schley.

— The board approved the retirement of Kevin Kristenson, elementary teacher, and Nancy Backer, high school nurse, both effective June 2.