Posted: 8/28/07
School district will bring
referendum to public
By Jane Palen
Special to The Argus
Voters in ISD #299 will decide a referendum on November 6, and the school board is concerned that they have the correct information before casting their ballots.
At the regular meeting of the school board on August 20, members passed a resolution for a vote that would continue the $726 per pupil referendum first passed in 2002. That referendum was for five years, and will expire at the end of this year. If passed, the referendum that will be decided by the voters on November 6 will also be for five years.
A well-organized public information campaign was instrumental in getting the first referendum passed, but school board members are worried that voters will think the levy is in addition to the levy passed in 2002 instead of a continuation of it. Also, the law requires that the wording "By voting yesÇ on this ballot question, you may be voting for a property tax increase."
Board member John Klug asked if the wording related to the fact that this is a replacement of the revenue authorization and not an addition could be placed in bold type on the ballot. Superintendent Michael Moriarty responded that there are strict guidelines for the wording and appearance of the ballot.
"This is the way the attorneys said it must be," he explained. If the district changes something, someone could challenge the ballot, he added.
Board member Charlie Wray moved to approve the resolution, and Michelle Warner seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Senior, handicapped accessibility to games urged
On another matter, Don Morre approached the board to encourage the district to make allowances for elderly and handicapped spectators who attend outdoor sporting events.
"The facilities are not accessible for the handicapped, there should be a place reserved for them," Moore told the board. He said that the southwest end of hte football field could accommodate those fans who would like to watch from their cars. There is currently a service road in that area, he noted.
The board agreed that the idea may work, and will meet at the site at 6:45 on September 17, prior to the start of the regular board meeting.
Gym floor a concern
The gym floor at the elementary school is being replaced due to damage last spring when a section of the gym roof was blown off and rain came in. Elementary principal Connie Hesse said she is worried that the floor wonít be ready by September 4, when parents come to school with their children. Superintendent Moriarty said work is continuing and he expects the floor to be finished, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Several board members also voiced concerned that the recent heavy rains and humidity could prevent the floor from drying properly.
It was noted by high school principal Ron Helmers that St. Johnís Elementary has opened its gym to the volleyball team so that it could practice.
Personnel matters
Several personnel changes will be made in the upcoming school year.
Megan Jones was hired as a long-term substitute for Spanish teacher Courtney Novak, who will be on maternity leave until the end of January, 2008.
Pamela Fahy was hired as a part-time middle/high school special education assistant. She replaces Rosanne Hargrove, who resigned.
Becky Newgaard was hired as a part-time middle school reading teacher. She accepted the position on the condition that this would not prevent her from being offered the next full-time position that is in her area of licensure.
Rebecca Carmack has resigned as a cook at the middle/high school, and Kevin Klug resigned as junior high football coach.
In another matter, Principal Helmers explained to the board that there has been a delay in getting scheduled out due to a new software program that has been put in place. The move to Power School was necessary because there was no longer going to be support available for the former system. Helmers said the new program appears to be a better product and more user-friendly. The schedules will be ready by orientation, he said.
Negotiations
The next meeting for negotiating contracts with the teachers is set for September 10.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com