Personnel matters top business
Personnel action took top priority at the March 4 Hamilton School Board meeting.
School Board members accepted the retirement request of Woodside Elementary School Principal Linda Jorgensen., effective June 30, 2008.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve Woodside Elementary School because it is a positive, vibrant learning community focused on helping students achieve their maximum potential,” Jorgensen said in a written statement.
Hamilton Superintendent Kathleen Cooke, Ph.D., said educational opportunities for students and staff advanced at Woodside since Jorgensen became principal in 2000.
“Student achievement at Woodside has improved since Mrs. Jorgensen’s tenure as principal,” Cooke said. “Her focus has been to hire and develop talented staff to promote high levels of success for all students. She has been passionate about helping all children to grow and succeed.”
Before joining the Hamilton School District, Jorgensen had been the principal of Glen Hills Middle School in Glendale for three years. She was principal of Edgewood Elementary School in Greenfield from 1993 to 1997. Prior to becoming a principal, she taught at Stormonth Elementary School in Fox Point..
The position for a new principal will be posted. The School Board is expected to fill the position this spring.
School Board members also accepted the appointment of Ryan McMillan as network engineer and computer support technician. McMillan is familiar with the district because he was employed by a company that provided contracted technical support. He replaces Jay Jones who took a position with Harnischfeger Corporation in Milwaukee.
In other personnel business, the School Board accepted the resignation of Maple Avenue paraprofessional Amy Hunter.
Open Enrollment applicants put on waiting list
Educational Services and Human Resources Assistant Superintendent Dean Schultz provided a written report that stated 73 students applied to attend the district through the Open Enrollment Program. Because the district’s resident enrollment continues to increase, all 73 students have been placed on a waiting list.
Board evaluates its operations
Recognizing that effective and efficient operations are important for a successful educational program, the Hamilton School Board conducts a self-evaluation twice each year. School Board members gathered input from administrators and discussed the characteristics that allowed them to fulfill their responsibilities and promote the district’s mission.
Directing his comments to approximately 20 members of Sussex Boys Scout Troop #39 who were in the audience to earn a badge, School Board President Gabe Kolesari said the effectiveness of a board has an impact on students.
“We are in the business for kids,” Kolesari said. “When school board members don’t work well together, you lose.”
Responding to positive comments, School Board member Gerald Schmitz said the board must not get complacent.
“It’s nice to get patted on the back, but it doesn’t change the fact that we have a job to do,” Schmitz said. “There is always more work to do and challenges to face.”