The special board meeting was called to order by chair Kersten at 6:34 p.m. with the superintendent, elementary and high school principals and all board members except Laabs present. Ms. Laabs arrived at 7:25. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all in attendance. There were approximately 35 community and staff members in attendance. The only item on the agenda was the discussion item to further review recommendations for reductions in programs and services for the 2004-2005 school year. Dr. Thielman explained reductions proposed in the District Office totaling approximately $14,000. To accomplish this, the business manager position would be reduced by four hours per week and the district secretary would pick up time with the Community Education office for a total of about $8,000. The remaining $1,200 would come from a change in insurance deductibles. Clarification was given in the proposed $5,000 reduction in high school instructional supply accounts. Only $3,000 of this would come out of instructional supplies with the remaining $2,000 being a reduction in Saturday school administrative costs. Further clarification was also given in regards to the sections of classes being reduced or eliminated at the high school. In most cases the class is eliminated or reduced in sections because of low class sizes. The board was reminded that the high school is still offering five different college classes for juniors and seniors. There will still be offerings in chemistry and physics. The vocational classes will still be offered as well as art and music courses. The superintendent reviewed the percentage of the general fund budget that each of the three administrative offices consumes. The elementary office is equivalent to 2 percent, the high school office is equivalent to approximately 3 percent and the district office is equivalent to about 3.8 percent of the total general fund budget. Elementary class sizes and student:teacher ratios were reviewed. Using the projected enrollment for next year in grades K-6 with 18 classrooms, the overall ratio would be 22:1. Board policy requires keeping class sizes to no more than 30 students. Mr. Clark asked the board to give him direction as to their views on the multi-age program. Do they wish to see it reduced, phased out, eliminated, modified or maintained? There was discussion on several variations to the program, with no set direction given. Dr. Thielman went through the list of proposed reductions line by line starting with the elimination of the LPN nursing services. It was proposed that with the additional reduction in the district office, the LPN position could be reinstated at a portion of the current schedule. Physical education – with returning to the previous schedule of every-other day phy-ed and music, a reduction of .2 instruction is required. There then would be no need for the paraprofessional. Elimination of the pull-out enrichment program – classroom teachers would attempt to do more enrichment within the classroom, however this will be very difficult. There was some discussion on possible alternative programs such as community education activities. Reduction in biology or chemistry still offers the classes. The class size may be increased due to fewer sections. The German program currently has 12 students in German I and 12 students in German II. Introduction to Drama also had low enrollment leading to the reduction. The Leadership Development class had been implemented through grant funds several years ago. The grant expired and the class was continued without the coordinator this year. That staff member is needed in other areas. Reading for Grades 7-8 had been eliminated, however the first semester of this class was reinstated. Social Studies is a reduction of one section of economics. Weight Training is also only a reduction of a section. PE 9, Health 8 and Math also will be reduced in sections. This does not eliminate these classes. The Study Skills class and the General Music class will be eliminated. In extracurricular activities, it is proposed to eliminate One-Act Play, Speech and C-Squad in basketball and volleyball. The possibility of fundraising was discussed. A reduction of 4/10 in guidance has been proposed as well as reducing two paraprofessionals and the instructional supply accounts. Board members were asked to list their priorities if they were able to add-back up to $24,000. Reading (4 members), LPN services (5), C-Squad sports (5), Speech (4), One-act play (2), Kindergarten assistant (1) and the multi-age program (1) and were all priorities within the board. Mr. Clark again asked for direction from the board on their wishes for the multi-age classrooms. Chair Kersten summarized their position that they fully support the philosophy of the multi-age program. However, Mr. Clark is to reduce the program as necessary to maintain class sizes in the traditional classrooms and still have a total of 18 classrooms K-6. Further comments were made on ideas for generating revenue. One suggestion was on implementing a parking fee for students driving to school. The administration will look at these proposed reductions and the priorities of the board members and present a final recommendation at the April 15 board meeting. Motion by Stenger, seconded by Kuechle, to adjourn at 9:06 p.m. MC. Marguerite Laabs, Clerk Published in the Tri-County News April 22, 2004.
