The Darlington School Board discussed the topic of the operational referendum and having it come back on the ballot. The $2.2 million recurring referendum failed during the April 5 primary.
The board had a special meeting on April 27 where they discussed what would happen after the failed referendum. The recommendation from that committee was to run a five year non-recurring referendum for programming and operational purposes on August 9 in the amounts of  $800,000 for the 2016-2017 school year, $1.7 million for 2017-2018, $1.8 million for 2018-2019, $1.85 million for 2019-2020 and $1.9 million for 2020-2021. The resolutions regarding the amounts and the question on the August 9 ballot passed unanimously.
Annual bids were discussed and approved by the board. There were a few increases in services for the 2016-2017 school year. Casey Crist, of Bill Crist and Son who has done the snow removal for the school, addressed the board and stated that they would offer the school the same rate during the 2016-2017 school year as was offered this year without the $3 raise from $97/hr. to $100/hr. Staley Plumbing and Heating had an increase in services for the water heater and boiler maintenance. The board did save $5,000 by approving Berkley for student and athletic accident insurance. The board also approved Control Solutions for maintenance of temperature control and univents, EMC for environmental health and safety services, Virtue Motors for the drivers education car rental of $290/month, Southwest Health for athletic trainer services, Dubuque Fire Safety for fire extinguisher maintenance, Wagner Pest Control for DEMS pest control and Blaser Pest Control for high school pest control, Deans for milk and Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County for physical therapy and nursing services; all for the 2016-2017 school year.
The board also approved:
-changes in language in the Employee Handbook.
-the 2016 Summer School program, which was showing larger numbers than previous years.
-and accepted a donation from Kurt and Sue Peterson of a guitar, valued at $50 to the DEMS Music Department.
-and accepted a donation from Chuck Keister of $75 to the DHS Baseball activity fund account.
-and accepted a donation from The Immanuel United Church of Christ for $50 to the Forensics activity fund account.
-the SWEEP contract, co-op with other districts for grounds maintenance for $250.
-requests regarding for Open Enrollment in 2016-2017.