Caledonia Argus

School board discusses use of soccer fields

Posted: 7/3/02

By Shannon McKinney

The use of soccer fields next spring brought up the question Monday night, July 1, of how ISD #299 should handle charging organizations for the use of its new middle school high school facilities.

Gary Massman and Nancy Messner of the Caledonia Youth Soccer Association were present at the board meeting with Athletic Director Ken Van Den Boom to discuss the use of some of the athletic fields for youth soccer in the spring.

Massman commented that he had met with Van Den Boom and former superintendent Percy Lingen on the facility use and all agreed to let the youth soccer use the fields for practice, games and the Founderís Day tournament.

Massman had a question about using indoor bathroom facilities during events when 600 or more people and players attended.

Board member Suzanne Roesler commented that she would prefer athletes and players to not use the bathroom facilities in the building.

A soccer storage building that has been placed on the current soccer fields will be stored somewhere at the new athletic fields to be decided by Head Custodian Bill Woolley.

Van Den Boom commented, ìWeíll never have enough room for everything we have. Weíll have plenty of need for storage,î he said.

Board member Barb Hurley brought up the need to have a policy written for parameters on charging for use of the new schoolís indoor and outdoor facilities.

It was decided that Van Den Boom, Community Education Director Nancy Runningen and Tool would meet to discuss the issue and make a recommendation to the board.

Messner, who is also a cook for the school, suggested making sure that if the school allows organizations the use of its kitchen, someone who is trained on the kitchen equipment should be there during the event to supervise using the equipment properly. She said, ìA lot of stuff has broken and not used right.î

Board member Bruce Bulman agreed that damage deposits may need to be reviewed as well.

Board approves contract with interim superintendent

Interim Superintendent James Tool attended his first board meeting for ISD #299 Monday evening, July 1, where the board approved a 12 month contract with him.

Tool was one of several interim candidates who were interviewed by the board last week.

His contract begins July 1, 2002 and expires June 30, 2003.

His contract provides for 15 days of vacation, 10 paid holidays and five sick days. No severance will be allowed for any unused sick or vacation days.

Toolís annual salary will be $88,200 for the 2002-2003 school year.

Tool asked the board for patience as he gets up to speed with all the information he needs to know about the district.

He added, ìIíve been very impressed with the reception of the people so far.î

The search for a permanent superintendent is planned for late fall said board Chair Cheryl Whitesitt.

Board approves sale of

Aid Anticipation certificates

The board approved the sale of $3,085,000 of its General Obligation Aid Anticipation Certificates of Indebtedness for the purpose of meeting current expenditures of the district.

Referendum date set

Constituents will want to mark Tuesday, December 17, on their calendars for voting on a referendum.

The district has not yet decided on how much money they will ask from the district, but already a committee of several community members including former superintendent Miles Miller has been organized to make the referendum a success by involving and educating the community on its financial situation.

District changes health

insurance providers

The board approved switching health insurance providers for district employees from Principal Financial to Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Bulman explained that the rates had been increasing over the past few years when employees voted to switch providers. He said, ìThey were able to stay with a similar plan and stay at about what they were paying.î

The district had been with Principal Financial since 1993.

Vending policy approved

The board approved a vending policy that requires vendors to receive permission from the building administrator or superintendent before putting machines in the building.

Auction to be held

for school items

A date for the auction of school items that are currently being stored in the old high school gym may take place some time during the first week of August.

A date will be set after the auctioneers are contacted.

Hurley suggested using Kevin McCormick as the auctioneer.

Shop teacher hired

David Wilson has been hired as a full time shop teacher to replace the vacancy created by Joe Nicklay.

He will start at $27,150.

In answering a question posed by and audience member, Hurley noted that Wilson does have technical experience with the CAD program.

Top of Page