Appointments to School Board Committees

School Board Standing Committees

At last night's school board meeting, Susan Fox announced the appointments to the newly reinstated citizen committees.  Per board policy, the president makes all of the appointments to the committees.  The president may get input from the committee chairs, who are also appointed by the president.

Business Services
Chair: Susan Manning
Susan Fox
Lionel Norton
Kathy Thomas (MN)

Jeff Simpson (CG)

Policy                           
Chair: Lionel Norton        
Jessica Ace                           
Susan Manning                       
Beth Bingham (MN)           
Sharon Henes (CG)


Curriculum
Chair: Peter Sobol
Jason McCutchin

Jill List
Andrew Bridell (MN)

Jim Foley (CG)

Other Updates

The board voted to move the Alternative High School or MG21 into Nichols next year.  The board approved a 0% pay increase for administrators for the 2010-11 school year.  A group of teachers attended in protest of the contract negotiations relative to the retirement benefits proposal.  Susan Fox gave an interview to Jack Henrich where she detailed the proposal to the teacher's union.  The interview can be found at http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=127&ArticleID=1751

Monona Grove -- Stand Together or Split Apart?

A reader posed the following question:
"Would you consider a stream on the split of this district? I know that this has been talked about in the past but is it time to revisit this as a possibility?"


This question comes up frequently.  The animosity between Monona and Cottage Grove is exhausting at times, and it is not a surprise that people turn to this option as a solution.  However, there are several obstacles that must be considered.


First, the tax money that comes into the district is currently 55% from Monona and 44% from the Village & Town of Cottage Grove combined.  Therefore, each community is contributing about half of the tax dollars for funding.
The actual data from the district for 2009 is:
Monona = 55%
Village of Cottage Grove = 28%
Town of Cottage Grove = 16%
Other = 1%


Second, the DPI must approve any district splits and their history on this is to deny these requests.  Wisconsin has a large number of school districts and the budget issues facing all of them mean districts should consider consolidating, rather than splitting.


The reality is that both Monona and Cottage Grove need what the other community brings to the district.  Cottage Grove has 70% of the elementary population in K-5.  Monona has 20% and open enrollment make up the remaining 5%.  State funding is tied to enrollment and whether or not it is increasing or decreasing.  Recent trends have shown growth in Cottage Grove, which has helped the district.  It is not likely that the Monona community could support a stand alone district with only 20% of the student population down the road.


While Monona has plenty of building space to house Monona students, Cottage Grove doesn't have a high school.  Consider the $30 million price tag of Glacial Drumlin School and it is not likely that Cottage Grove can come up with the funding to build a high school in the near future.


The district website posts updates from Board President Susan Fox.  The April 8, 2010 update includes the following paragraph:
Over the past couple months, some citizens have raised the issue of a possible split of the district between Cottage Grove and Monona and asked for copies of the split study completed in 2005 by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.  Please note that both the construction of Glacial Drumlin and the changes in state law make the results of the study invalid today. The Program Impact Report, however, remains applicable, and the impact of a split on programming would be substantial. The Board reaffirmed the importance of keeping the Monona Grove School District intact.


If splitting the district is not a viable option, then we must turn the discussion to what we need to do to repair our district and maintain the strong level of programming we have been known for in the past.  How can we bring the communities together instead of tearing them apart?  Who is up for the leadership task to accomplish this very difficult goal?  Do we have the right school board in place to get the job done?


The Monona Grove School District belongs to all of the citizens and students in both communities.  It is time for the board to listen to all of its constituents and make responsible decisions for the future.  Every single person in this district should pay attention to what the board is doing right now and let them know whether or not they're on the right track.


Contact the board at mgsdboard@mgschools.net.  Messages are automatically copied to the superintendent.

Business Services Director Resigns

The Monona Grove School District is facing millions of dollars in structural deficits over the next four year, and now they will face those budget problems without their valued Business Services Director, Mary Ellen Van Valin, after she resigned on May 25.


Van Valin confirmed that she was offered a contract with the Milton School District, meaning she will depart Monona Grove after five years when her contract expires on June 30. District officials agree the resignation is a huge loss for the district.


“It appears in Milton, that when administrators came forward with recommendations, that good questions are asked, but recommendations were followed,” said Van Valin.


She also noted that it is disheartening when administrative recommendations are exhaustively discussed, leading to five- or six-hour meetings, only to have those recommendations tabled in the end because board members ask for additional information.

While Board President Fox downplayed the issue of micro-managing administrators, board member Jill List said she was not surprised by Van Valin’s resignation.
“I think she’s tired of abuse from the board,” said List, referring specifically to the recent budget process and perceptions of micro-management. “I think she’s had it.”


Herald-Independent Article:


http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=21&ArticleID=1755

Alternative High School - Nichols or Winnequah?

The Board has tentatively planned all year to move the MG Alternative High School (MGAS) from its current rental location on Monona Drive to Nichols School beginning next fall.  However, at tonight's meeting, the possibility of Winnequah was discussed as well.


While the space available on the lower level of Winnequah would be appropriate (includes the FACE and Tech Ed. rooms, along with regular classrooms), concerns about security, since a back door now locked during the day would be in use, the need for construction of a dividing wall with a door to separate the Alt School from the rest of the building but still allow for a second exit from the building, and the fact that bathrooms on the lower level are located on the other side of that new, proposed wall all present problems. The fact that there is very little time to gather public input on such a move was another important factor cited.


The Board requested cost estimates on both options for discussion at the May 26 meeting, at which time a decision must be made in order to accommodate a move.


Herald-Independent Article:
http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=21&ArticleID=1738&TM=71574.5

Citizen Committees Will Return

President Fox announced that the following Board members have been elected to serve as officers for the 2010-2011 year:

Susan Fox, President

Jessica Ace, Vice-President

Susan Manning, Treasurer

Lionel Norton, Clerk

(Note: Fox was elected with 4 votes and Peter Sobol got 3 votes for President.  Manning was elected with 4 votes and Jason McCutchin got 3 votes for Treasurer.  Norton was elected with 4 votes and Peter Sobol got 3 votes for Clerk.  Ace ran unopposed.)

The Board voted to reestablish the following standing committees: Business Services, Policy and Curriculum.  Also, there will be further discussion regarding forming additional subcommittees in areas such as continuous school improvement and long term budget planning.

Mr. Gerlach recognized Ed O’Connor, Director of Continuous Improvement and Assessment.  Ed has announced his resignation from the district effective at the end of June, 2010.

The Board discussed policy for creating standing committees.

MOTION: Peter Sobol moved to amend the main motion to include the words “with board approval “ in the first paragraph on Board Policy 185. Jason McCutchin seconded.  There was discussion on the amendment. President Fox noted that since this is in the 100 series of board policy, it would require five votes to pass. The motion failed.

MOTION: Lionel Norton moved to add/substitute the words “shall appoint Board members and in cooperation” to the proposed revised Board Policy 185, dated April 28, 2010.  Susan Manning seconded. The motion carried.  This sentence now reads: “The Board President shall appoint Board members and in cooperation with the chair of each committee shall appoint members to the standing committees.”

MOTION: Lionel Norton moved, and Peter Sobol seconded, a motion to add the words “in cooperation with,” following the word “annually.” The motion carried. This sentence (A2) now reads: “The Board President annually, in cooperation with Committee chairs, shall appoint citizen members of standing committees.”  Motion carried.

President Fox asked Board members to contact her in regard to which committee they would like to serve on. There will be three Board members and two citizens on each committee.

The Board discussed increasing the walk zone for elementary students.  It is the recommendation of both Mary Ellen Van Valin, Director of Business Services, and John Vandermerwe, Director of Transportation, that we do not extend the walk zone at this time.

MOTION: Jessica Ace moved that we remove extension of the walk zone as a budgetary reduction item for 2010-2011.  Jason McCutchin seconded.  Motion carried.

The Board conducted a variety of other board business, which can be found in the minutes on the district website.

Herald-Independent Article:

http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=21&ArticleID=1703&TM=44118.11

Preliminary Staff Reductions Approved

Rebecca Fox-Blair and Bill McDonald, MG Alternative School staff, presented the Board with a request for approval of an application for a new charter and an implementation grant for a restructured alternative school called the “Monona Grove Liberal Arts Charter School for the 21st Century” or “MG21”.  Upon approval, the new charter will replace the current Alternative School charter and will allow for future growth and expansion of the program.  The grant of $175,000.00, in each of two years, will enable the district to take our alternative school to the next level by incorporating the use of 21st century technology and enabling the linking of assessment to 21st century skills.

MOTION: Susan Manning moved approval of the application of the grant and contingent on acceptance of the grant and moved approval of the charter of the Monona Grove Liberal Arts School for the 21st Century.  Jessica Ace seconded and the motion carried.

Bill Breisch gave a brief update to the board on work of the high school science department, including a plan to restructure the required 9th and 10th grade required courses.  The proposal is that in the year 2010-2011, the required 9th grade science course will be biology. Beginning in 2010-2011, chemistry will be the 10th grade course requirement. In addition, both courses will have an honors class available.

MOTION: Susan Manning moved approval of the implementation of 9th grade biology as presented, beginning in 2010-2011.  Jill List seconded and the motion carried.

Superintendent Gerlach gave an overview of the racial issues affecting the district.  He indicated that he has been meeting with staff and would like to keep the lines of communication open between the Board and staff. We are using this opportunity to present what the issues are and what is happening in the buildings.

Jim Orlenko, Director of Human Resources, presented the Board with a proposed list of teachers to receive preliminary notices of layoff.  He indicated that this is a very dynamic process and that things are ever changing.  The list includes both partial and full positions.  The final layoff notice must be out by May 15.

MOTION: Jason McCutchin moved approval of the 2010-2011 Teacher Preliminary

Notices of Layoff as presented.  Peter Sobol seconded and the motion carried.

Deidre Bradford, reduction in contract 1.0 FTE to .70 FTE

Jeremy Duss, reduction in contract from .80 FTE to .00 FTE

Jonathan Farris, reduction in contract from .86 FTE to .00 FTE

Carol Graves, reduction in contract from .95 FTE to .00 FTE

Greg Gehrig, reduction in contract from 1.0 FTE to .00 FTE

Jeanette Heitman, reduction in contract from .30 FTE to .00 FTE

Jill Jensen, reduction in contract from 1.0 FTE to .16 FTE

Garrett Jones, reduction in contract from 1.0 FTE to .00 FTE

Jeff Kasperak, reduction in contract from 1.0 FTE to .00 FTE

Kate Mennenga, reduction in contract from 1.0 FTE to .60 FTE

Steve Rhoads, reduction in contract from 1.0 FTE to .77 FTE

Cindy Rudie, reduction in contract from 1.0 FTE to .00 FTE

Lea Spaay-Kozich, reduction in contract from 1.0 FTE to .80 FTE

Ryan Thompson, reduction in contract from .56 FTE to .00 FTE

Hong Tran, reduction in contract from .66 FTE to .00 FTE

Kristoffer Tudor, reduction in contract from 1.0 FTE to .60 FTE

Ginger Veith, reduction in contract from 1.0 FTE to .00 FTE

The Board conducted a variety of other board business, which can be found in the minutes on the district website.

Charter School Will Take Several Years

While Monona Mayor Robb Kahl was initially hopeful his proposal for an environmental charter school in Monona could be realized by the start of the next school year, additional research into the process has revealed that such a timeline is not possible.  After an informal meeting of interested stakeholders, April 6, it appears the Monona Grove school district will need at least two years to develop and open a charter school, possibly more, in addition to a core group of dedicated teachers and community members who will lead this demanding task.



“We need to be clear on the reality of the timeline,” said District Superintendent Craig Gerlach. Goals must be set for the school, followed by planning of curriculum and the eventual task of making that curriculum a reality. While he is supportive of the proposal, he noted that all of those necessary steps are, in themselves, very complex.


Herald-Independent Article:
http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=21&ArticleID=1667&TM=42679.37

Board Falls Nearly 20% Short of $1.0 Million Budget Cut

Superintendent Gerlach indicated that staffing reductions need to be approved at next week’s Board meeting as any layoff notices need to be sent to staff on April 15.  He is very hesitant to make a 5% cut to building budgets.  He stressed that he has faith in his administrators to make the right decisions.  If we can fall within one percent of our budget, he would be comfortable with that.

The Board had extensive discussion on the remaining proposed items, including building/department budgets, IMC paraprofessionals, extending the walk zone and increase in minutes for elementary related arts.

MOTION: Susan Manning moved to remove “elementary related arts-reduce instructional minutes per week” from the list of proposed reductions for this year. Lionel Norton seconded and the motion carried.

MOTION: Peter Sobol moved to remove the reduction of building budgets by 5% from the list of proposed reductions for this year.  Jason McCutchin seconded.

ROLL CALL VOTE:  Motion carried 6-1 with Susan Manning voting Nay.

The Board asked to receive copies of building budgets and department budgets, including the department budgets with a possible reduction of some amount up to 5%.

MOTION: Jason McCutchin moved to reduce IMC Paraprofessionals by 2 FTE for next year at an approximate cost savings of $66,000.  Peter Sobol seconded and the motion carried.

The Board conducted a variety of other board business, which can be found in the minutes on the district website.

Herald-Independent Article:

http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=21&ArticleID=1655&TM=42679.37

Maywood & Winnequah Consolidation Delayed

Susan Fox announced that the district’s food service staff have taken a pay freeze for two years.

Discussion and Possible Approval of Consolidation of Maywood & Winnequah Schools. This was listed as a budget reduction item estimated to save $260,000 per year.

MOTION: Jessica Ace moved to delay the decision of the Consolidation of Maywood and Winnequah Schools until the 2011-2012 budget cycle. Susan Manning seconded.

The Board had extensive discussion regarding this item. They talked about the need for a three or five year plan to address both facilities and budget. In addition, the question was asked regarding what would be the tax impact on residents for a referendum. Superintendent Gerlach explained that a number of factors need to be considered but a general figure would be $50 per $100,000 of home value for the first year. Also, in order to address the financial needs, it would be up to $250 per $100,000 for the 5th year.

ROLL CALL VOTE: Motion carries on a vote of 4-3. Norton, Ace, Manning & Fox voted Aye. Sobol, McCutchin & List voted Nay.

Discussion and Possible Approval Budget Reduction Proposals. Superintendent Gerlach went through the list of final budget reduction recommendations without the building consolidation. The total amount of the recommendations is the reduction of $1,028.500. Superintendent Gerlach indicated that if there are a multitude of questions, the Board will schedule an additional meeting in early April, as decisions regarding staffing must be made prior to April 14.

MOTION: Peter Sobol moved that the Board accept the list of Final Budget Reduction Recommendations Without Building Consolidation, dated 3/23/10 as presented. Jason McCutchin seconded.

After discussion and several other motions, the Board removed the following items from the list to be discussed at a later meeting:

· Building Budgets/Department Budgets

· IMC Paraprofessionals

· Elementary Related Arts: Reduce Instructional minutes per week

· Extend the walk area to 2 miles

Susan Manning made two motions to remove additional items from the list. Jessica Ace seconded both motions, but they both failed. The motions involved two items relating to Class Size and reducing staffing in the 6-8 Music programs by 1 FTE.

President Fox restated the original motion to approve the list of Final Budget Reduction Recommendations Without Building Consolidation, dated 3/23/10 as presented, with the above named items removed. The motion carried.

The Board will meet on Wednesday, April 7 to discuss the budget reduction items that were pulled from the list during tonight’s meeting.

MOTION: Peter Sobol moved approval of the revisions to the Board Rule 343.2 - Guidelines for Class Size. Jason McCutchin seconded.

ROLL CALL VOTE: Motion carries on a vote of 6-1. Susan Manning voted Nay.

The Board conducted a variety of other board business, which can be found in the minutes on the district website.

Herald-Independent Articles:

Maywood will stay open at least one more year

http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=21&ArticleID=1629&TM=66063.24

$745,500 in cuts approved by school board

http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&subsectionID=21&articleID=1630

MG Budget Decisions Must Be Carefully Considered By Dean Bowles

From the Herald-Independent:

After the recent public hearings and board meetings I feel compelled to write this letter. Your budget decisions over the next weeks and months will not be easy but are vital to the quality of the Monona Grove Schools, schools that our children attended, and my wife and I have supported for 44 years.


Three-Year Budget Plan. The FY2011 budget decisions should be in the context of at least a 3-year budget plan since state school aids will be no better, and probably worse, in the next biennium, and revenue caps are likely to remain. In short, this year’s $1 million budget cuts, while difficult, will be easier than in any of the next three years.


Fund Balance. Make no decisions that put the MG schools in a long-term structural deficit. I have heard casual, uninformed talk that “MG has a “slush fund,” “rainy-day fund,” or “money hidden in the budget” that could be used to save programs. Not so. However, MG has a minimal “Fund Balance” of about $5 million that is vital to the financial health of the MG schools and should stay at 15%-25% of the budget which is also Board policy. The Fund Balance should not be considered a “cash” balance but an asset that pays for ongoing liabilities during the school year to avoid high interest, short-term borrowing and low financial ratings. Tinkering with the current Fund Balance will be costly in the long haul and only make future budget decisions even more difficult.


Procrastination and Delay. Procrastination and delay will only make the problem greater. Act and vote incrementally with the best available information after you have had informed recommendations. Make perhaps 120% of the cuts necessary to balance the budget. All this should be done with the expectation that the Board will act on and amend the preliminary budget when the whole package is assembled incrementally.


Dean Bowles is a former Mayor of Monona, a Deputy State Superintendent of Schools, and Professor of Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis.

Full Article:

http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=1609&SectionID=5&SubSectionID=127&S=1

Monona 6th Grade Moves to Glacial Drumlin

Reed Foster, PEP (Physical Education Progress) Grant Coordinator and MG Teacher, presented an update to the Board regarding the PEP Grant that district received from the US Department of Education. This three-year grant, valued at $541,000 over the three years, will help make a change in our physical education program. Mr. Foster shared information on what changes are being made in the district.

Location of 6^th Grade Programming. President Fox asked for a motion to accept the administrative recommendation prior to holding discussion.

MOTION: Jason McCutchin moved to accept the Administrative Recommendation to move the 6^th grade students from Winnequah to Glacial Drumlin, beginning in the 2010-2011 school year and Jill List seconded.

MOTION: Susan Manning asked to amend the previous motion and to delay this decision by two weeks in order to address open enrollment and budget decisions. The motion failed for lack of a second.

The Board had lengthy discussion regarding this topic, including items such as busing, furniture, and efficiencies in programming and staff. Many members indicated that this is the most difficult decision that they have had to make since being on the Board. In addition, some mentioned that they realize there are inefficiencies with not combining the 6th grade students and above all, they agree that educationally this is in the interest of our students.

ROLL CALL VOTE: Motion carries on a vote of 6-1. Susan Manning voted Nay.

The Board will vote on the consolidation of Maywood and Winnequah prior to the reductions discussion at the March 24, 2010 meeting.

The Board conducted a variety of other board business, which can be found in the minutes on the district website.

Herald-Independent Article:

http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=21&ArticleID=1600&TM=63049.93

School District Must Seek a Referendum By Robb Kahl

From the Herald-Independent:

Residents of the Monona Grove School District are hopefully by now beginning to fully understand the dire financial situation confronting our district. However, I think a quick recap is in order to ensure everyone fully comprehends the extent of the problem.


This is not a $1 million dollar budget hole that can be fixed this year with cuts including closing Maywood School. The district’s problems are much larger than that. Superintendent Gerlach has often referred to this as a $15 million dollar operating budget deficit and I know there are many questions of how he comes to that total. Quite simply, using a five year projection the total amounts to $15 million because the district needs to make $1 million in cuts each year in addition to the money cut in preceding years.


The multi-faceted state funding mechanism for public schools is not going to change anytime soon so revenue from that source will flatten off at best and more likely decrease in coming years. That leaves us with the option of either raising property taxes or cutting operational costs. It is apparent to anyone with a calculator that the district will need to go to a referendum to raise more property taxes and do so soon as it is simply unfeasible to make the total amount of needed cuts. The “plan” of the district is, prior to going to that referendum, to have some “blood in the streets” in their own words by undergoing significant cuts to programming and closing Maywood School. After this blood letting, they will then come to the citizens of the district within the next year or so and ask for permission to exceed the property tax levy limits.


Mr. Kahl is the Mayor of Monona.


Full Article:
http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=1564&SectionID=5&SubSectionID=127&S=1

No Modular Units in Cottage Grove, Other Decisions Delayed

Superintendent Gerlach gave a brief update to the Board regarding Open Enrollment.  There were approximately 184 new applications into the district and 41 applications out of the district.

Superintendent Gerlach talked briefly about the Nichols property.  He and Mary Ellen VanValin, Director of Business Services, have met and will be ordering an appraisal on the property.

The Board had extensive discussion on the ramifications of the location of the district’s 6th graders.  There were questions and concerns raised, including costs, efficiencies and space.  The deadline date for the decision is March 10, 2010.  Administration and staff discussed the inefficiencies in running two programs in two separate buildings.  They stated that they are confident that there is ample space at Glacial Drumlin to house all 6^th graders.  Superintendent Gerlach mentioned that educationally it makes sense to put our 6^th graders together.  Additional information will be sent home with students next week.

The Board had discussion regarding the possible consolidation of Maywood and Winnequah Schools. Principals Ann Schroeder and Connie Haessly were available for questions.  There was additional discussion on cost concerns and spacing, especially availability of space for future growth.  The Board will make a decision on this item at the March 24 Board meeting.

The Board received additional information regarding the costs related to placement of modular units in Cottage Grove and had further discussion on the issue.  Administration recommended that modular not be added in Cottage Grove because CG Elementary will function next year as it has this past year in terms of space.  More space will be available at Taylor Prairie next year due to a decrease in kindergarten enrollment, and the belief that crowding issues may take care of themselves if enrollment decreases.

MOTION: Jason McCutchin moved that the Board accept the administrative recommendation not to add modular units to any schools in Cottage Grove in the next year.  Lionel Norton seconded and discussion was held.

MOTION – Susan Manning moved to table a decision on modular units until the March 10 School Board meeting and Jill List seconded. Motion failed.

Vote on the original motion.  Motion carried.

Herald-Independent Article:

http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=1565&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&S=1

The following items were added as future agenda items: Written report and presentation on open enrollment; 4K enrollment report, including information on residents vs. non-resident, procedure for assigning students to specific sites, and numbers; Strategic plan update; report on 3 years of budget cuts; Cost of moving District Office to Maywood and Winnequah; District split; update on Nichols (if sold, what would monies be used for); real estate analysis and district profile.

The Board conducted a variety of other board business, which can be found in the minutes on the district website.

Long-Term Budget Fix Must Include Reduction in Staff Compensation By Mike Mikalsen

From the Herald-Independent:

It should come as no surprise that the Monona Grove School District is struggling to devise a plan to reduce spending. That is simply the way of the world as we all focus on surviving this severe recession. However, the problems confronting our school district are not just the result of the current economic calamity, but a fundamental cancer that has plagued all levels of government for several years. That cancer is unsustainable spending levels.


The State of Wisconsin certainly shares in some of the blame by encouraging school districts to spend and then promising to pay about 2/3 of statewide public school costs. The single largest state funded program is K-12 public education. In the current school year (2009-10), the state will spend $5 billion on public school aid, which amounts to 37.3 percent of the entire state general fund budget. The remaining 1/3 is financed through the local property tax and other revenue sources.


In this week’s edition, you will also read a column from Peter McKeever of Monona who feels passionately that the school district should not cut one dollar and, in fact, he called for a referendum to exceed to the state revenue limit on the district’s property tax levy. I respectfully disagree with Mr. McKeever’s proposal for increasing property taxes. Now is not the time to solve our district’s spending problems by simply taking more money from our families and senior citizens.


We can wish that the situation facing our school district was different, but the financial realities only get worse for the children if the residents of Cottage Grove and Monona fail to come together behind well-crafted long term budget reductions. Frankly, I am disappointed that many of the preliminary budget reductions being advanced by district officials have significant direct impact on children. At the same time, the list of preliminary reductions seems to avoid employee compensation concessions and aggressive reductions in non-academic areas of the budget, especially in administration.

Mr. Mikalsen currently serves as the Cottage Grove Village President. He has worked on education policy in the Wisconsin State Assembly as a Research Assistant and Policy Analyst since 1991. He also previously served on the Mosinee School Board.

Full Article:

http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=1551&SectionID=5&SubSectionID=127&S=1

Board Must Seek a Referendum By Peter McKeever

From the Herald-Independent:

Not one of you was elected to the school board with the goal of reducing the quality of education the district provides. Not one of you ran for office or took the job you have now to cut classes, cut staff, cut programs. None of you is happy about what you believe you have to do. You are educators, not budget cutters.

As administrators and teachers, you got into this kind of work to educate young people well, not cut budgets, programs, and classes. You know as well as I do that we need more, not less, education. We need better and more innovative education, not worse cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all education. You are not in education to cut it down.
So don’t do it. Stop. Right now. Go in a different direction. You know you cannot do what needs to be done with less.


Mr. McKeever is a former Monona Alderman.

Full Article:

http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=1551&SectionID=5&SubSectionID=127&S=1

Cops Deliver School Budget News By Susan Troller

From the Cap Times:

Uniformed police delivered a school budget meeting flyer door-to-door in Monona on Feb. 11. The flyer encouraged public attendance at a school district hearing that night to discuss the possible consolidation of Monona's pre-kindergarten through second grade Maywood Elementary School with the community's third through sixth grade Winnequah Elementary. It was signed by Monona mayor, Robb Kahl.

Depending on one's perspective, it was either a waste of taxpayer money and an embarrassing move by Kahl or a necessary means of getting important news to citizens who haven't gotten enough information on potential school budget cuts, especially when it comes to the possibility of closing the beloved Maywood school. Both points of view are represented in dozens of comments on Monona School Board Vice President Peter Sobol's blog.

Full Article:

http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/education/blog/article_27c433ac-18d1-11df-aee5-001cc4c03286.html

Herald-Independent Article:

http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=1542&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&S=1

Much Discussion, Few Decisions

The Ad Hoc Committee recommended that the district research 6^th grade programming to determine the proper content and location. The administrative recommendation is to continue middle school programming in 6th grade and to re-locate Monona 6th graders to Glacial Drumlin. Principals Renee Tennant and Ann Schroeder support this recommendation because it would provide efficiencies in scheduling and cost savings.

MOTION: Lionel Norton moved that we accept the administration recommendation to continue middle school programming for our 6th graders. Jessica Ace seconded and the motion carried.

Discussion occurred on where our 6th graders will be located. The Board asked for a legal opinion relative to the 2006 referendum. In addition, they feel it very important to continue to keep the community informed. Additional information will be sent home with students this week regarding this subject along with an explanation of the budget process.

President Susan Fox read the Administrative recommendation regarding the consolidation of Maywood and Winnequah. It is possible to consolidate the buildings prior to the 2010-2011 school year. Superintendent Gerlach shared that it would save approximately $265,000 per year and cost approximately $180,000 for one-time remodeling costs at Winnequah to accommodate the students from Maywood.

The Board had some additional questions on the process and the recommendations presented. The Board had continued discussion on this issue, stating that we need to look at all options, including the use of Nichols. There will be further discussion at the next Board meeting.

The Ad Hoc Committee recommended the use of modular units as needed in Cottage Grove. Superintendent Gerlach stated that we do not add modular units this time. He recommended that we continue to monitor the situation. Further information will be presented to the Board at the next meeting.

The Board discussed the proposed budget reduction and process.

President Susan Fox indicated that revisions are needed to a few Board Policies in the 100 Series. It is difficult to write policy during a board meeting, so a subcommittee was suggested. Superintendent Gerlach mentioned that this is fallout from not having standing committees on the Board this year (standing citizen committees were eliminated based on a request by Susan Fox on July 8, 2009).

President Fox stated that given the many pressing items the Board is dealing with, she preferred not to take Board time to develop policy, but to have Board members give input when the suggested changes are brought forward. Susan Fox, Susan Manning & Jessica Ace volunteered to work on policy revisions.

The Board conducted a variety of other board business, which can be found in the minutes on the district website.

Herald-Independent Article:

http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=1536&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&S=1

Another Lengthy Discussion of Budget Reductions

The Board approved the Preliminary Notice of Non-Renewal of Administrators Contracts for the Diversity Coordinator, Aquatics Director, Assistant Principal and Food Service Director. These positions are on the list of potential budget cuts and per the contract must be given notice by February 1 or they are automatically renewed.

Superintendent Gerlach has spoken with local real estate agents about the Nichols property. The building is considered a Monona Landmark. Currently, the building is not being used to capacity. The City of Monona has an ordinance that ties into local landmarks where the city has first right of refusal. The superintendent will continue to monitor the situation.

The Board agreed to keep the current structure of educating all 7^th & 8^th grade students in one building as per the study it is not feasible nor fiscally responsible to separate them. There was an update on the status of all six Ad Hoc Committee recommendations.

Public hearing dates for budget reductions will be:

Tuesday, February 9^th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Glacial Drumlin School

Thursday, February 11^th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Monona Grove High School

Saturday, February 20^th, 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. at Winnequah School

Superintendent Gerlach went through in detail the rankings of reductions being recommended by Administration. Board members will receive additional information on the Maywood and Winnquah Schools consolidation issue, along with the athletic budgets at the next Board meeting. The Superintendent and the Board had lengthy discussion on the list of possible reductions. Superintendent Gerlach reiterated that this is a very difficult process and the reality remains that our district needs to cut $1 million a year for five years.

The Board conducted a variety of other board business, which can be found in the minutes on the district website.

Herald-Independent Article:

http://heraldindependentonline.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=1511&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=52&S=1