NRHEG School Board
By REED WALLER
Staff Writer
Dr. Dennis Goodwin’s first session with the NRHEG School Board was a brisk meeting with a long agenda, but things went smoothly thanks to the contributing presence of Business Manager Karla Christopherson and Administrative Assistant Karen Gimberline. Both principals were also present and prepared.
Fall startup
Bills in the amount of $862,663.54 were approved for payment. The high figure was explained by Goodwin and board chair Rick Schultz.
“Some of that expense is for school supplies,” said Goodwin.
“That’s to be expected this month,” Schultz commented.But the biggest item was $230,755 to JD Driver for construction expenses related to the New Richland kitchen/cafeteria/ commons project.
Goodwin reported that construction was “slow,” and said that though kitchen and countertops were done, and all barrier walls were down, there were still ceiling tiles to be picked up and there were “problems” with the floor.
“Is it something that can be fixed in time?” asked Schultz.
“They may just have to strip it and do it again,” Goodwin said regretfully. “We’re paying good money for this and we want it done properly.”
High School Principal David Bunn stated that it was “hoped” the construction would be finished in time for the start of school.
On the bright side, landscaping is done at both locations.
“The playground equipment was tested and three pieces failed,” Goodwin said. Appropriate action has been taken.
Security
A proposal with IEA for Emergency Maps Updates was necessary also, the old construction maps being inaccurate.
Goodwin explained that the Technology office, taking up the northeast area of the former Media Center, will be split 60/40, with 60 percent for the new board room/multifunction room and the remaining 40 percent for the Technology staff.
“Will the doors be numbered?” asked board member Michele Moxon, referring to lockdown procedure.
Goodwin replied that they would, and took the opportunity to describe new security policy.
“I’m a stickler about security,” he said. “We need to know who’s in the building at all times.”
This will require all personnel inside the school buildings to wear ID, and visitor badges will be issued.
“This means the school board, everyone,” said Goodwin.
New hires
Teaching contracts were approved for Beth Schoenrock (who is being contracted to full time), Onika Peterson (who was hired for Schoenrock’s old part time position) and Special Education teacher Karrie Olson, who will be assuming her first position here after serving as a paraprofessional in Owatonna.
Waseca County Collaborative for Families agreement was approved for the coming year. This includes arrangements for Barb Handel, Family Services Coordinator, whose salary is funded through the cooperative with joint funds.
An interpreter for the deaf was approved for (re-)hire on a daily rate. This will be her third year at NRHEG.
“This is not the interpreter we hired last month (for another student),” Christopherson said.
Also a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant was approved, for sharing with JWP in a 60/40 split. The COTA assists special education students with developing motor skills.
A new technology specialist to assist Angie Aaseth with installations for new communications was approved for hire at an hourly contract for $30/hour.
Cindy Reiter of Ellendale was approved for hire as new dishwasher. Cindy filled in at this position last year.
Laura Manthey will be returning as a paraprofessional. The Principal’s reported that the paraprofessional situation was good; there had been a resignation and two retires, but others are filling in hours.
Coaches
Shawn Larson was approved for hire as the new Varsity Wrestling Coach.
“We had three applicants,” said Bunn, “there were some outside calls but there wasn’t any follow-up.”
Coaching assignments are: for football: Dan Stork, head; John Schultz, assistant; Andy Peterson, JV; Taylor Holland, C squad; Tom Peterson and Steve Fredrickson, JH. Volleyball: Onika Peterson, head; Jackie Schultz, JV; Corrine Schuller, C squad. Selected JH volleyball coaches Jennifer Hatton and Tom Peterson do not yet have contracts.
Mike Weber will head Cross Country. He requires no assistant coach, due to the small number of participants in the Cross Country program. The board was told he would be hiring his own assistant, a volunteer, on a daily basis.
Board members Michele Moxon and Lori Routh expressed concern over this.
“Any assistant should be official and listed,” said Moxon.
“If anyone is listed as a Coach,” said Goodwin, “they will have a background check, whether a paid assistant or a volunteer coach.”
Second thoughts on cellphones
Goodwin requested that the board rescind last month’s decision to approve compensation to Administrators for personal cell phone use.