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Paynesville Press - May 5, 2004

School board makes program adjustments for 2004-05

By Michael Jacobson

The Paynesville Area School Board took the following actions at their meeting on Tuesday, April 27.

*The board approved a resolution of adjustments to its programs for the 2004-05 school year. The district reduced its budget by $202,645 for 2004-05, including $107,870 for the reduction of two teaching positions (one at the elementary and one in the middle/high school0; $91,046 for administration (elimination of one principal position); and $3,729 for the elimination of summer IPS.

The board had previously approved these reductions, along with two budget additions, having an aide, rather than a principal, calling substitutes in the morning ($2,894) and a supply increase for athletic uniforms ($3,000).

*The board approved not renewing the contract of Amy Samuel, a probationary teacher. Her position was eliminated due to budget cuts. *The board approved a three-year technology plan. The plan calls for a total technology budget of $170,900 for the 2004-05, 2005-06, and 2006-07 school years. Most of this budget is for technical services, computer leases, and Internet access. New items include a budget for a district website, which was requested by parents and teachers in a survey.

One large item was $60,000 for a phone system upgrade in 2006-07, but the district will have to see if its finances allow this, said superintendent Howard Caldwell.

*The board approved issuing diplomas to the members of the Class of 2004 who have successfully completed the necessary graduation requirements.

*The board recognized the following career increments among the teaching staff: Bill Brinkman (25 years); Lonnie Lien (25 years); Margaret McLaughlin (25 years); David Randgaard (25 years); Mary Stock (25 years); and Patricia Nelson (20 years).

*The board approved a lease agreement with Reach-Up Head-start for the building at 115 East Mill Street, used for Headstart. The district rents it for $3,000 per year.

*The board acknowledged notification from Community Education director Matt Dickhausen to start negotiations on a new contract.

*The board approved a long-term substitute contract for custodian Kathleen Faber for six weeks until June.

*The board approved an updated Teacher Performance Improvement Program, which is used to evaluate probationary and tenured teachers.

*The board approved a contract with the city for the summer recreation program. The city had requested the contract for audit purposes. The contract called for the city to pay $5,625 to cover costs of the summer recreation program. (The township also covers half of the costs of summer recreation.)

*The board set a special meeting for Tuesday, May 4, at 2:30 p.m. in Room 129 at the elementary school to review the possible sale of bonds to refinance the district's 2000 bond issue.



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