School Board approves 2005 levy proposal

*The board approved a levy proposal for 2005 property taxes of $1,279,755. This proposed levy is $20,000 more than the district's 2003 levy, which was $1,259,405, an increase of 1.6 percent. The district's final levy, which cannot be more than this proposed levy, will need to be approved in December. (see related story.)

*The board approved the text of a Homecoming letter that principal John Janotta sent last week to parents and students in grades 6-12. The board continued its discussion on Homecoming safety with administration and Paynesville Police Chief Kent Kortlever. (See related story and letter.)

*The board approved an agreement with Community Education director Matt Dickhausen to develop a website for the district. The proposed website would include pages for the elementary, middle, and high schools and for the district office; a school calendar; lunch menus; board meeting minutes and agendas; etc.

Dickhausen, who developed a website for Community Education, plans to get input from the board, administration, and staff for the website. He will work on it before and after his regular duties. He will receive a stipend of $4,500 for the 2004-05 school year and $3,500 for the 2005-06 school year, with the cost split by the district's general fund and Community Education.

*The board approved the following teacher lane changes: Michelle Andersen (from MA15 to MA30); Chad Campbell (from BA15 to BA45); Deb Ficek (from BA60 to BA75); Amy Jasmer-Flanders (from MA15 to MA30); Patricia Nelson (from BA75 to BA90); Ted Nett (from BA45 to BA60); and Jeanne Virant (from BA45 to BA60).

*The board approved a 2003-04 staff development report.

*The board approved a teaching assignment for Kelli Woehler to teach a homebound elementary student for six weeks this fall, or until the student is able to return to class.

*The board approved a teaching assignment for Connie Ludwig for Early Childhood Family Education. Ludwig will be teaching an evening class with a total of 25.5 hours.

*The board approved hiring K

elli Woehler to work in the fitness center for approximately 14 hours per week for the 2004-05 school year.

*The board approved a resignation request from special education van driver Don Skrypek. Superintendent Todd Burlingame told the board that the district is advertising to fill the position, but if they do not find a replacement they may split the driving between teaching aides, whose hours were cut this year due to a decrease in Title I funding for the district.