By Craig Moorhead
Special for the Argus
At the June 16 meeting of the ISD #299 Board of Education, Superintendent Michael Moriarty presented directors with a budget for the coming year.
“There have been some refinements since the first one (draft),” he told the board.
School board chairperson Naomi Fruechte said, “It looks like it’s pretty well pared down, with just a slight positive balance at the end… but you understand what’s not included in this budget. There’s no increase for salaries.”
The budget predicts a $253,830 decrease in revenues from the 2008-2009 school year (when revenues were listed at $10,279,527). That leaves revenues for next year at $10,016,697. Budgeted expenditures for 2009-2010 are down $272,997 at $9,952,555.
Board members asked for clarification on a few of the line items listed, then approved the budget by a unanimous vote.
Personnel
Directors accepted the resignation of Greta Mierau, part-time Early Childhood Family Education instructor. Moriarty said that Mierau, “has been on leave this last year.”
The board also approved a maternity leave request from Angela TenKley, estimated for “approximately eight weeks”.
Some new hires were approved. Middle school music instructor Dustin Moburg will take on some extra chores when he begins serving as assistant boy’s soccer coach beginning next year.
Tammy Twite and Nora Bengtson, who are both part-time special education assistants, were re-hired by the board one month after being laid off for lack of work. Moriarty explained the situation. “We are getting a couple of students in that are going to require some assistance (from special ed. teachers),” he said. Three part-time teachers will rotate hours, he said, in order to meet the needs of the students.
Anna Frauenkron was also re-hired as part-time ECFE instructor, filling the position vacated by Mierau.
Moriarty also commented on plans that are in the works to restore some hours for other employees who recently faced cuts. Social studies teacher Jason Cognac may benefit from an arrangement with Spring Grove. “We’ll probably be moving him back to a minimum of .92 FTE,” Moriarty said, “by selling off part of his contract to Spring Grove. He’ll be our employee, but he will be working in both districts.”
With changes in classes scheduled for next year, Moriarty said that Mrs. TenKley and Tina Fruechte would regain some hours, both moving to a .75 FTE.
Other possibilities in the use “stimulus” funding may allow the district to restore some hours for other teachers, Moriarty explained. “We have to wait and make sure,” he told directors, explaining that rules governing the use of the funds are still changing.
Lease agreement
Directors voted to accept a lease agreement with SEMCAC, allowing that Minnesota non-profit corporation to base their Head Start preschool program in the Caledonia Elementary building.
One classroom at the building will be reserved for Head Start. SEMCAC will also have access to the gymnasium, library, multi-purpose room, playground, and lunchroom “as scheduling permits.” SEMCAC will bring in their own staff, and pay the district for snacks and meals under a separate catering contract.
Moriarty told the board, “They’re excited about moving into our building.” Head Start would probably bring 14 or 15 kids to the school. The one-year lease provides for payment of $450 a month, 12 months a year. The agreement goes into effect July 1, 2009.
Interim Superintendent Position
Director Matt Hendel reported, “I think we have a pretty strong candidate pool at this point,” referring to applications that have been received for the job. Hendel said that the field has been narrowed to four candidates. The board voted to hold interviews for the position the week of June 29.
Superintendent recognized
Fruechte told the board, “I want to thank Mike (Moriarty) for his five years of service. This is his last official meeting as a ex-officio member of this board. I also want to announce that he is the recipient of the Southeast Service Co-op’s Distinguished Service Award.” Applause followed for Mr. Moriarty.
Other school board news
Directors discussed, but did not take action on, the subject of 2009-2010 kindergarten enrollment. Moriarty explained that with 52 students signed up, the class is somewhat large for two sections. He told directors that the situation could have several causes, including younger children being enrolled due to economic conditions. Several options were discussed, including moving from the “every day all day” schedule to an every other day program with two small sections alternating, and all four classes coming in on the fifth day. The board decided to address the situation at the regular July meeting.
The Boy’s Basketball Booster Club, which came to the board last fall to request free admission for seventh and eighth grade players wanting to attend varsity games, was on the agenda for a re-visiting of the issue. When no representatives from the booster club appeared, the board tabled any decision on the subject until the July meeting.
The board voted to obtain quotes for a used, low-mileage, school van. One of the vans that the district presently owns is no longer allowed to carry students due to it’s age, Moriarty explained.
Directors authorized bidding for food service and petroleum products contracts for the upcoming school year.
The board voted to increase student breakfast and lunch prices by $0.05, and adult prices by $0.10 per meal, to keep up with costs.
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