After 15 years as School Board president, Gerald Schmitz announced that he would not accept nomination in that role for another year. Schmitz was given a standing ovation at the meeting in recognition of his leadership. A 27-year veteran on the School Board, Schmitz was re-elected to a 3-year term in 2001.
“I think it is time to allow some other board members — who are very capable — to handle this position,” he said before School Board members elected officers.
The School Board then elected Gabe Kolesari as its president, Jim Long as vice president, Dawn Van Aacken as clerk, and Mike Hyland as treasurer. Kolesari has been on the School Board for 14 years.
High school store offers convenience, profits to students
Hamilton Business Education teacher Skip Hay and student Erin Morgan presented information about the high school’s new school store. Morgan was one of eight students chosen by Hay to get the store operating. She said they learned an important marketing concept namely, “If you give people what they want, you will make money.”
The school store opened in September offering students more convenient hours to shop and carrying items such as school supplies, beverages, food, clothing and apparel with the school logo, and other promotional items. With more than $13,500 in total sales for the year, students earned $3,307 in profits which funded scholarships and trips to compete in state and national marketing education events.
Helinksi honored
Lannon instructional assistant Marlene Helinksi was recognized for her positive contributions at Lannon. She was nomimated for School Board recognition by a parent, and Lannon Principal Dick Ladd highlighted the many positive qualities she brings to the school and her position.
School Board deals with finances
In financial matters, the School Board:
- increased 2003-04 lunch prices by 10 cents for students and 15 cents for adults. Elementary lunch costs will be $1.60, middle and high school lunches will be $1.85 and adult lunches will cost $2.50;
- decided to not to increase student user and participation fees for 2003-04;
- extended Dairyland-Hamilton’s transportation contract. The district was in the third year of a 5-year contract. By extending the contract another two years, the district will receive a $17,000 one-time credit in September;
- agreed to allow U.S. Cellular to place phone equipment on one of two light poles on the athletic stadium. The 5-year lease will net the districrt $15,000 per year; and
- heard from Business Services Director Bryan Ruud that the district is continuing to use Governor Jim Doyle’s proposal as the basis for the 2003-04 budget. Ruud said there were several other proposals from Legislators, but none has been approved. He recommended to School Board members that they keep June 16 as the Annual Meeting.
Computer purchase OK’d
With budget uncertainty and the loss of a significant federal technology grant in 2003-04, the district is trying to upgrade as many computers and servers as possible using current school year funds. The School Board approved the purchase of 77 additional computers and replacement of the e-mail server at a cost of $76,353. At a previous meeting, about $220,000 worth of computers was approved. OmniTech Corporation will provide the equipment.
Maple Avenue site plan approved
Maple Avenue Elementary School Principal Kristin Koeper presented progress on the school’s site plan that was developed in the 1999-2000 school year. School staff met in February to review progress and made recommendations for future action. Tactics of the plan are to:
- formulate criteria to integrate technology into the curriculum;
provide intervention and enrichment opportunities so that all students realize their potential; and
- align reading and writing curriculum to state standards and adopt buildingwide instructional strategies and assessments.
Koeper reported that the school made significant progress in each tactic and the site plan will be retired at the end of the school year with a new plan to be developed in the fall.
Textbooks approved
Following the study and recommendation from teachers, the School Board adopted four textbooks for courses in World Cultures, Geometry, Biology and Psychology. The books will be ordered and available to teachers before summer break, but funds will come from the 2003-04 budget.
Personnel matters approved
In personnel matters, the School Board:
- appointed Templeton and Hamilton guidance counselor Candis Mongan as the high school associate principal and extended learning opportunities coordinator;
- accepted the resignation of high school science teacher Jane Bamberg who is moving to the East Coast;
- accepted the retirement request of district groundkeeper Duane Zick;
- modified high school science teacher Kim Leannais’ contract from 83 to 100 percent beginning next year;
- approved a contract with National Employee Assistance Services to provide referral service for employees at a cost of $7,074 per year; and
- modified custodial and maintenance position descriptions to more accurately reflect essential job functions.