[Winona Online Democracy] Greetings,
Below is Dr. Bartleson's "From my Perspective" summary of last night's school board meeting. Please let me know if you have any questions. -Steve Kranz, Board Member -Winona Area Public Schools -------------------------- Board Meeting Highlights Board Meeting 03.04.04 from my perspective.... Eric Bartleson BOARD MEMBERS AFFIRM SUPPORT FOR $2.4 MILLION REDUCTION School board members were asked if they still supported achieving a $2.4 million reduction for the 2004-2005 school year. Most supported the full $2.4 million. Sue Brown was concerned that the resulting programs would not be sufficient to attract and maintain students. Natalie Siderius supported the reduction, but with no cuts in extra-curriculars, academic programs, and without closing schools. The rest of the board members supported considering a variety of reductions including building closings. BOARD REQUESTS THAT BUILDINGS LOOK AT AN ADDITIONAL CUTS OF 2% IN DISCRETIONARY EXPENDITURES FOR 2004-2005 Board members requested that Jeff Seeley determine the amount of a 2% reduction at each building in discretionary funding. This would be expenditures that are in addition to staffing costs, and would include such items as copying costs, substitutes, classroom materials, utilities, and many other non-staff line items. BOARD REQUESTS ADMINISTRATION DEVELOP A LIST OF ADDITIONAL CUTS TO ACHIEVE THE $2.4 MILLION DOLLAR GOAL Board members requested that administration develop further cuts to achieve the $2.4 million dollar goal. Estimated savings from reductions that have been discussed to date total approximately $1.7-1.9 million. An additional $500,000-$700,000 will need to be developed in the next few weeks. NOTE: I plan to involve staff in discussions on these new proposals and will seek staff input and suggestions as to how to achieve these additional reductions. BOARD CHANGES DATE OF SECOND MARCH MEETING At the request of Fred Petersen, the board moved the second March meeting from March 18 to March 25. The board had made a commitment to make final decisions on budget reductions at the second March meeting. Mr. Petersen is unable to attend the meeting scheduled for March 18. Board members want to make sure that all board members IN OTHER BUSINESS.. The board met in closed session at 5:30 p.m. to discuss ongoing negotiations with personnel unions. PUBLIC COMMENT Nancy Harms addressed the board and expressed concern over the accuracy of the figures being used as savings derived from the closing of Madison school. Julie_______, a Madison parent related a conversation she had with Winona councilman Krage who indicated concern over locating the Area Learning Center in the Madison building. INFORMATION & BUSINESS Mary Alice Anderson and Terry Kroening, media specialists, made a presentation on the role and importance of media specialists in supporting the educational programs of the district. They provided the board with written materials, a powerpoint presentation, and answered board member questions. Judi Vold discussed the proposed policy on the use peace officers and crisis teams in removing IEP students from the school setting. She indicated that there is a conflict with the language in the proposed policy as it relates to police liaison officers and the limitation placed on them to use "noxious spray" or "skin shock" in there role as police officers. Judi will continue to work with Chief Pomeroy, the Minnesota School Boards Association, and others to come to a workable agreement on the language that should be included in the policy. The board voted to table this issue until these issues could be worked out. I reported that we had received a response from WSU to our counter proposal for the purchase of the Lincoln Building. The response will be reviewed by staff and our attorney. We hope to bring a proposal to the next board meeting for consideration and approval. The board approved a renewal of the district life insurance plan with National Insurance Services with no increase in premiums!!!! The board gave preliminary approval to a lease agreement with the Dakota Area Community School (charter) for annual lease in the amount of $93,000. Details will be worked out prior to the lease being signed. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. NEXT MEETING: MARCH 25 6:00 P.M. WINONA CITY HALL _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
