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