May 10, 2013 at 4:00 PM - Superintendent's Weekly Update to the Board of Education

Description:  Interest arbitration with REM concluded today around 1:30 PM.  Tom and Dale were the board members in attendance. 

In a nutshell it comes down to a coin toss.  I want to feel the School District has the edge, but am concerned for that very reason.  When applying for a job you oftentimes receive an offer when you thought you had blown the interview.  And do not receive a job offer when you thought you had nailed the interview - be cautious in optimistic feelings. 

Description:  Please find attached a request by RESP to begin negotiations talks.  At the May board meeting, I can collect available dates from those of you on the negotiations committee.

Description:  We have received interest from 7 community members to serve on the facilities planning committee.  What I know about each one I think they'll all be a great asset.  Some bring the knowledge as project managers and building site superintendents, while others have been long-time residents of the School District and supportive of children.

The persons expressing their interest to me so far are the following:
1.  Kim Thon
2.  John Walburn
3.  Michelle Stevens
4.  Terri Gall
5.  Jerry Brezinka
6.  Chris Schaefer
7.  Tom Ollman

I know where most of them live in the School District, but not all.  My concern is there's no one from out west in the Bowlus area.  In my opinion, we need to have a few of them on the committee. 

Description:  Please find attached Amy Kruger's requested leave of absence along with my response.  I'd be in favor of a leave request to return to college, take care of an ill family member, etc.  To reserve a teaching position and limit our quality of candidates is not in the best interest of our students.  Mrs. Krueger has done a great job during her year with us!

Description:  Please find attached a thank you card from Mary Ellen Ronzheimer.  She appreciates the increase in teacher substitute pay.

Description:  The termination of Shawn as bus mechanic and driver has left a void necessary of being filled immediately.  At the time of his hiring there were no other qualified candidates.  Knowing the past difficulties of hiring someone with the necessary skills for the current pay, I decided to inquire with Gene about sub-contracting for mechanic services.  We have not asked others in the area to submit proposals for the following reasons:  1) it's less than $100,000 and we're not required to, 2) Gene has already been helping work on our buses and vans for several years now, 3) we know the high quality of work and fair prices received from Gene.

Please find attached a proposal for sub-contracting mechanic services from Gene's Repair of Royalton.

Description:  Please find attached a graduation invitation letter from Mr. Swenson.  The letter entails instructions for the ceremony.

Description:  Please find attached the weekly bills for your approval.