NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
Approximately 50 students and parents were present at last Monday’s meeting of the NRHEG school board, but they weren’t there to ask questions about their property taxes, nor to comment on the kitchen/cafeteria renovation project to be approved for bids that evening.
They were there to witness the result of a recommendation to terminate eighth-grade boys’ basketball coach Darian Baker.
Coach termination considered
Baker was present, as was Athletic Director Dan Stork. Both sides were asked to present whatever factual (but non-evidential) data could help the board with their decision to approve or deny the dismissal. They were reminded, however, that any discussion of the case itself in a public meeting was forbidden by law.
Baker presented documentation to the board detailing his performance as coach, and Stork explained that the administration had inquired with the Minnesota School Board Association on the grounds for just cause for insubordination, and that the administration felt that there was just cause.
Board members were visibly and audibly distressed to be presented with a controversial decision without access to the evidence.
“Every month we come to you with recommendations for hiring, resignations, terminations, lane changes, and leaves of absence,” said Supt. Kevin Wellen, “and you approve them; we’re not usually required to explain in detail.”
“As a board, we’re not here on a day-by-day basis,” said board member John Harrington. “We hire our administrators to make these decisions on our behalf. I’m going to have to go with them.”
“I’m not sure I understand how this could all happen in eight weeks,” said board member Lori Routh.
The motion to terminate failed 4-3. Three members reluctantly voted aye as a vote of confidence in the administrators, while four voted nay, refusing to dismiss amid controversy without adequate knowledge.
Sunday Basketball Tourney
In a related matter, a request to permit the eighth-grade boys’ basketball team to compete in a tournament on Sunday, January 27, was denied. The Minnesota State High School League expressly forbids its member teams to participate in Sunday competitions, and NRHEG applies this standard to both its schools, but the school board may decide to make an exception if there are unusual circumstances making the event impossible to be scheduled on any other day.
“Grades 9-12 are not allowed to compete on Sunday,” said Wellen. “Why should we hold the eighth grade to a lower standard?”
Board member Shelley Moxon reminded everyone that it’s important to be careful when allowing exceptions, because of the risk of setting an unwanted precedent.
No clear reason could be found to make this case an exception.
Fiscal Cliff update
Supt. Wellen reported to the board that the State Dept. of Education has released estimates on expected losses due to the Fiscal Cliff. NRHEG can expect to lose an estimated $100,000 in revenue.
Kitchen/Cafeteria Remodel
There were no negative reactions, either present at the meeting or reported, to the passage of the let for bids on the kitchen/cafeteria/front entry remodel project. The project was given the go-ahead without further discussion.
On the contrary, board members remarked soberly that the construction of a new secure front entry was “very timely” in the light of the recent tragedy at Newtown, Conn.
PBIS
Elementary Principal Doug Anderson and Elementary staff members gave a presentation on their implementation of PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports), which is like a social implementation of Response to Intervention, which the school is also involved in.
Presenters explained how faculty, staff, and administration would all be involved in a program to systematize and unify positive behaviors (rather than punishment) as response to student behavior that needs working on. With this program, students with problems would be able to expect the same kind of response from any teacher, staff member, or administrator.
“Panther Pride” slips (formerly “Caught Being Good”) are awarded for consistent good behavior, and prizes will be awarded each month. The NRHEG PTO has already donated $500 towards prizes for PBIS.
Accept resignation
The resignation of retiring elementary teacher and Education Minnesota union activist Julie Economy was accepted. Economy is retiring after teaching for the district for over 33 years.