Oskaloosa school board met in regular session and after honoring retiring staff, announced the elimination of extra contracts for five staff members. This does not mean the loss of any teaching positions.
The board opened the evening with a reception to honor eight retirees whose combined service to the district amount to more than two centuries. Shirlee Gallagher is retiring from elementary special education after 43 years and is the longest serving retiree. Mike Sash as a middle school physical education instructor has taught for 38 years and Jay Harms, high school social studies for 31.
Kristen Sarver (27 years), Susan Knox (22), Pam Behning (19), Jan Dodd (18) and Dee Thostensen (13) received recognition plaques from superintendent Russ Reiter and board president Tom Richardson.
In trying to reign in some costs for the next school year, seven staff members will have extra duty contracts eliminated. Two of the seven have requested a hearing and those will be in closed session on May 18 at 6 p.m.
Chase Weber, Betsy Luck and Steve Kaisand will no longer receive a stipend for weight room coverage. Amy Simmons will have her contract days reduced from 15 to 10 days, and Patricia Erckenbreck will have her role as middle and high school librarian reduced by five days.
Board member Carl Drost made it clear the board is not reducing staff members or teaching positions but just reducing the extra stipends and hours to perform duties.
In other personnel matters, the board accepted the resignations of Hanna Laucamp, first grade; Alexis Shipman, fourth grade; Shelby Lucas, fourth grade; Josh Bandstra, middle school industrial arts; and Joe Kane as high school special education.
The board approved the hiring of Alex Edwards to teach second grade for the next school year at a salary of $34,515.
The board approved the purchase of a Citrex Server from One Net IT Solutions. The five-year contract includes support, upgrades, software and licensing for 150. Cost of the contract will come from the district’s PPEL Fund in the amount of $198,745.63.
Approved Jason Carter/Remax to handle the sale of the school-constructed house on South M Street. Reiter told audience members that the house would be open on Thursday from 3-5 p.m. for tours.
In other business:
Held a public hearing and approved a budget amendment for the 2015-16 budget due to the 1:1 computer project.
Approved a service agreement with Timberline Billing to handle the district’s Medicaid services billing
Heard presentations on supplemental education at the elementary and the high school Multi-tiered support services program
Next regular meeting will be Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.
Story provided by RD Keep
