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.