Arlee BOE partners up

ARLEE - Valley Bank customers now have the opportunity to support the Arlee school district when they sign up for a debit card.

The Arlee Board of Trustees approved Valley Bank's request to use the Warrior and Scarlet logo on debit cards last Tuesday at their monthly meeting.

The cards will be a first-of-its-kind fundraiser for Arlee. For every debit card purchased, money will be kicked back to the school. The school will receive one dollar for every card sold and one dollar for every renewal.

Superintendent John J. Miller said other schools have done this but it is new to Arlee.

"If it builds a little enthusiasm and generates revenue, it's great," Miller said. "I would get one. I think they're good."

In other news, the board also approved the budgets for full year 2011. The budget has gone up for the year.

Miller said the discussion went smoothly during the meeting.

"I think we have done a sensational job at keeping things tight," Miller said.

The number of mills used went up due to the fact that property values in Arlee have declined.

"[The property taxes] aren't funding as much, so the number of mills increased," Miller said.

The board also decided to void any outstanding warrants in claims and student activities that are over one-year-old.

"That doesn't happen very often," Miller said.

The board also approved the resolution to authorize issuance of individual procurement cards.

In the old system, teachers would buy supplies for their classrooms and turn in receipts afterwards. Coaches would also turn in receipts after team meals on the road.

"The old system was clunky," Miller said.

Under the new system, teachers will be given cards with a specific amount on it, avoiding the need for keeping track of receipts. When teams travel, coaches will be given cards ahead of time.

"I think coaches will appreciate not having to spend their own money," Miller said.

Teachers and coaches had to wait to be repaid after using their own money. The wait and need for using personal money is now eliminated. The amount on each card will be determined by need.

The Board's next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 in the District Office.