NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
In a last-minute addition to the night’s agenda, the NRHEG School Board was asked to consider a recommendation to eliminate the Elementary Coordinator position and restore the position of Elementary Principal.
“We arranged for the Elementary Principal position to be defined as part of the Superintendent’s duties for cost-saving purposes,” explained Supt. Kevin Wellen.
But today, with the division of the schools, the savings aren’t as significant as the need for having a licensed administrator on-site in Ellendale.
“What is going to happen to Doug (Anderson)?” asked board member Lis Kormann.
“Mr. Anderson and Mr. Cyr were part of the discussion that arrived at this recommendation,” said Wellen.As with an earlier action acknowledging licensed staff reinstatement requests relating to teacher positions, the board was reminded that in order to restore the Elementary Principal position, it would first have to be offered to licensed staff currently on unrequested leave of absence – i.e. former Principal Paul Sparby – and giving them 30 days to decide, before it can be posted to the public.
Anderson was hired as Elementary Coordinator in July of 2010. He is not yet a licensed administrator, but is expected to have his license by end of year.
Fourth Section of kindergarten
The kindergarten enrollment figures for 2012 were discussed. The board had previously approved three sections of kindergarten, and decided to wait on approving a fourth section until enrollment figures indicated it would be feasible.
“We are currently at 68,” said Anderson.
If there is no increase, then three sections of 23 would be created.
It was suggested that the board continue to wait on the creation of a fourth kindergarten teaching position until after the July break.
“When I was a principal I once had a promise of 70 students and got 50,” Wellen warned.
“We haven’t generally gone backwards on our enrollment,” countered Board Chair Rick Schultz.
Anderson agreed. “Typically, we do gain. We get calls over the summer.”
Schultz expressed strong feeling that the numbers were promising enough to make the leap to four sections, and it was put to a vote and approved.
Good news for art students
The board approved restoring the position of high school art instructor to full time.
Meanwhile, the NRHEG PTO provided a $4,675.75 donation on behalf of the Artist in Residence.
Capital projects
Wellen reported to the board that the Ellendale window project has been let out for bids. The Ellendale windows, with an estimated price tag of $120,000, was one of two projects discussed earlier, the other being the New Richland kitchen equipment and cafeteria renovation, which has been estimated at $1.2 million.
Wellen pointed out that the New Richland kitchen is one of the three remaining parts of the district’s ongoing roofing project, and it would be good if that were done at the same time.
The roofing project is part of the district’s regular budget, but renovation of the cafeteria would mean a bond issue. Financing with general obligation bonds is available at between three and four percent. Interest rates and construction rates are favorably low.
Wellen investigated as to whether the remaining roofing jobs could be combined into one. The district had previously gotten a year ahead on the roofing project by combining, and then skipped a year.
It appears the remaining jobs could be consolidated into one contract for about $300,000, which would be some savings, but not as much as if they were both on the same site.
iPad program
The Tech Committee has met and recommends that the iPad initiative begin with the 8th grade. The iPads will be purchased and the students will have them for three years, at which time they will be allowed to purchase them at a nominal fee. A proposal will be ready for action at the next meeting.
Following new business, the meeting was closed for the Superintendent evaluation.