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