Caledonia Argus

School board undecided on issue of running off campus

Posted: 9/16/03

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

Several weeks after the question was first posed, the school board is still undecided about whether to allow runners to run off school property when training for sports.

The issue was brought up in August by members of the girls soccer team, and the matter was being researched in regard to liability and exposure on the part of the district.

Superintendent Jim Tool said a number of schools were contacted, and some allowed running off school property and some did not. One school reported a death when a high school athlete was struck by a vehicle.

Board member Suzanne Roesler said that with 60 acres of land, athletes should not have to run off the school property. She suggested developing an ìoff roadî running track on the campus.

Another board member, Naomi Fruechte, said that the students should be able to run on city streets as long as safety is a priority. Coaches should be required to run with the athletes, and the athletes should be required to wear reflective vests. She added that parents should be notified if the athletes will be running on the streets.

Board member Chuck Schulte said he wanted to go on record as opposing running off school property due to the danger factor.

The issue will be referred to the school grounds committee. Until a decision is made, student athletes will not be allowed to run off school property.

Assurance of Mastery returns

In other news, the board agreed to change the status of Tina Esch from educational assistant to Assurance of Mastery teacher for math in the middle school.

Assurance of Mastery was offered in the past and was successful, the board was told by middle school math teachers Cathy Klug and Amy Wild.

The students have their questions answered and their work checked during study hall. The program is offered to any student who is receiving a grade lower than a ìB.î

The part-time assurance of mastery position will increase Eschís salary by $2,600, and it will cost $3,200 to fill her position.

Bid accepted

The board also accepted a bid of $89,219 from Meiners Lumber of Caledonia to build a new storage shed at the Middle/High School.

Sub pay increased

In other news, the board agreed to increase the pay of substitute teachers from $80 per day to $90.

JOBZ resolution passed

The board agreed to participate in a JOBZ (job opportunity building zone) application. A regional application is being sent to the state.

Joyce Iverson, who works in community development for the county and city of Caledonia, explained to the board that the JOBZ program was part of the Omni Tax bill and developed as a way to interest people in developing businesses on ìunderusedî land. If a business meets all the criteria, it can improve the land and pay not taxes on the improvements for up to 12 years.

Top of Page