July 18th School Board Meeting

At the June school board meeting the board voted unanimously to combine the cheerleading and dance team. It was reported that the board could expect criticism of this decision. Well at the July meeting the criticism came. Most of the anger was focused on the Activities Director at the high school and communication issues. Even calling for his firing as he lied to the parents. One item I found very troubling was the he told the parents the decision had already been made when the school board was voting on it that evening. The school board did announce that they had reversed themselves and cheerleading and dance will not be combined. It was pointed out that the school boards actions had already created a mess and a lot of damage. This seems to have damaged the dance team much more than the cheerleaders. I am not sure how the school board reversed themselves as I saw no vote to do this taken.

The new principal for the Middle School was introduced he is Rick Lane, he comes from the Sartel Middle School where he was an assistant principal. He has been working with middle school students since 1989 and has turned down several promotions to principal at the elementary school level due to his commitment to the middle school age children. He does seem to be a good choice.

According to the South Elementary School Principle the number of student this fall are as follows so far: 248 Kindergartners, 270 1st graders and 254 2nd graders. The high school principal reported the transition to trimesters has been well received and that the reinstatement of the incentive program has had the desired effect, tardy and unexcused absences were down last year.

There will be another levy referendum vote this fall although the amount and number of years has not been determined as of yet. It was also stated that with the increased funding provided by the state this year of the 9 positions cut this summer 4 1/2 may be reinstated.