Governor Outlines Proposals to Assist Schools in Oil Country - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Governor Outlines Proposals to Assist Schools in Oil Country

Instead of just cities and counties, the Governor outlines his proposal to assist oil-producing school districts.

Governor Dalrymple opened an Education Summit with several proposals to help pay out to rapid-growth school districts.

If elected, Dalrymple says he will present legislators with a rapid enrollment plan: which includes a special pool of grant money, 25 million, available to schools in oil country.

Also, 200 million dollars of the 'improvements and investment fund'--to help afford new school construction.

"When we talk about the availability of very low interest loans for school construction, that's going to mean a lot to districts that have rapid enrollment growth, there are a few in the east too, who will be eligible for this same program." says Governor Jack Dalrymple.

The Governor also proposes an advisory committee of western North Dakota educators to address needs directly in oil country.

Williston-- for example-- has hired 52 new teachers for this coming school year... and is expecting right now, between 600 and 800 new students.

 "There's not just going to be one answer to the needs in the western, schools in the western part of the state, so I think it's going to be multiple things, good to hear some grants, low interest loans, not affecting our debt limit, going for our own property tax, bond issue, will help with all of it put together." says Viola LaFontaine/Williston Superintendent.

She says their biggest issues are affordable living quarters for new teachers and permanent school buildings.

They plan to use vacant schools and have ordered 32 modular classrooms through a three million dollar grant from the state for this fall.