Caledonia Argus

School board moves to public discussion of SOD

Posted: 3/19/02

By Shannon McKinney
Argus News Reporter

Not a single audience member of a few dozen sitting at the school board meeting could say how the district got into Statutory Operating Debt (SOD) Monday evening, March18.

Board member Chuck Schulte posed the question to show that the district needs to let the public know what happened. The discussion began with board member Suzanne Roesler asking the board to consider publishing part of its statutory operating debt plan so that the public could have a clear understanding of what caused the district to go into deficit spending.

Board chair Cheryl Whitesitt recommended making a final decision at the April 2, board meeting.

Board member Charlie Wray suggested having a subcommittee, the board and another group look at it before making a decision.

Board to discontinue positions

The board approved the discontinuance of the following positions and programs; 1.0 elementary; 0.7 art; 0.3 spanish; 0.5 special education coordinator; 0.5 counseling; 0.25 graduation standards; 0.75 music; 0.15 German;1.00 special education.

The total dollar amount of the reductions will be made more specific after the cuts have been made.

Public requests gymnastics and wrestling be divided

The new school will have a multi-purpose activity room for gymnastics and wrestling practice, but a dividing curtain has not been budgeted.

Rick Frank and Steve Buttell, along with other concerned parents of gymnasts and wrestlers, asked the board to consider installing a drop curtain that would separate the two practices at a cost of only $8,100. This is half of what it would normally cost because contractors are already on the site and could do it along with the drop curtain that is being installed in the big gymnasium.

Buttell said not having a divider would be detrimental to both sports because it would be distraction noting, ìThe music of the gymnasts and the whistles from the wrestlers. Now is the time to put this in,î he said.

Board member Barb Hurley said they will need to wait to see if they will have enough money for it since it hasnít been budgeted.

Buttell said that price from the contractor he contacted will be good till May 1.

Board votes 4-3 to offer contract for activities director

The board voted 4-3 to offer a contract to Ken Van Den Boom for activities and athletic director for the 2002-2003 school year as per the master agreement for approximately $18,478.42.

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