In one of its most significant duties, the Hamilton School Board approved the 2000-2001 budget that will be presented to citizens at the June 19 Annual Budget Hearing and Annual Meeting. At $30,491,807, the budget anticipates a 2.89 percent increase in student enrollment and a 5.29 percent expense increase.
Jennifer Rude Klett was the only School Board member voting against the budget. She said she would prefer to see additional funds for expanded music programming and an Academic Decathlon team rather than expansion of the kindergarten program.
Business Services Assistant Supt. Alex Dittrich said that expanded kindergarten programs may allow the district to offer additional music programs eventually. State revenue caps prohibit the district from offering additional programs without increasing student enrollment.
Board member Deborah Briggs said she has wanted an orchestra program in the district since she moved into the district as a student 34 years ago.
“I feel it is getting closer to happening,” she said.
Briggs also voiced support for the kindergarten program. Students have greater exposure at a younger age to media and technology, and if we don’t have adequate kindergarten programs, we put them at a disadvantage, she said.
The School Board authorized the administration to negociate a contract with Omni Tech for a technology support contract. Omni Tech from Pewaukee and the distrtict’s current support company, ICS, of Menomonee Falls, submitted bids for one, two- and three-year contracts. Omni Tech’s bids were lower in all three timeframes.
Maple Avenue teacher Terry Fojtik and Michael Fraundorf recognized Hamilton graphics arts teacher Byron Olson for supporting the Project Bridges. Olson’s students did graphic design and created T-shirts for the school project.
In personnel matters, the School board
- appointed Rebecca Cochran as Maple Avenue 5K teacher, Mary Kuriga as Maple Avenue 5K teacher, Elizabeth Flehmer as Lannon writing resource teacher, Tim Brandt as Hamilton business education teacher, Patricia Coburn as Maple fourth grade teacher and Michelle Prei as Templeton seventh grade replacement teacher; and
- accepted the resignations of Templeton teacher David Botbyl, Woodside reading specialist Dianna Kresovic and Hamilton communication arts teacher Thomas Weedman.