Durand Board of Education accepts staff changes for '16-17

    In a regular meeting held May 18, the Durand Board of Education approved resignations, retirements, and new hires.
    The consent agenda, including the agenda, minutes of the regular April 20 meeting and special May 10 meeting, treasurer's report, and vouchers, was approved.
    The appointments to committees had no changes, and were approved as presented.
    The annual renewal of the District's student accident insurance was also approved.
    Paul Hoch gave up his seat on the CESA 11 board of control, and the Board indicated no interest in filling the position, so it will be forwarded to CESA.
    The District renewed its membership in the WIAA, again with no dues.
    The Board voted to eliminate the R Kidz Rock after school program due to losing funds. The program was started on the premise that it would be self-sustaining, but for the last few years it has lost money. Multiple parents at the meeting voiced distress over the cancellation of the program, and asked the Board to reconsider. The program was unanimously eliminated, effective after this school year.
    Superintendent Greg Doverspike reported Kathy Forster has submitted her resignation letter to the district, effective the end of the year. The Board approved.
    Doverspike also reported LuAnn Meixner, Diane Glaus, and Julie Cyr submitted their letters stating their intentions to retire at the end of the year. The Board approved.
    The Board approved a list of hires, including 2016-17 fall and winter coaches, 2016-17 advisor and co-curricular assignments, elementary school special ed teacher Jennifer Roder, middle/high school science teacher Kayla Boebel, Title I interventionist and reading specialist Melissa Linse, and middle/senior high school vocal music teacher Tricia Perau.
    Doverspike reported the Facilities, Transportation, and Finance Committee recommended no increase to the lunch prices, and a five-cent increase to breakfast prices at Caddie. A middle/senior high school breakfast program will be implemented at a recommended cost of $1.75. The Board approved.
    Doverspike reported the District's OPEB bonds are callable, and with interest rates, the Board approved passing a parameter resolution to close on the bond over the next month when rates are right to do so. Doverspike said it would save the District approximately $125,000 over the next 12 years.
    The Board approved the summer project list.
    Doverspike reported on the football field and track, stating approximately $1.75 million is needed to meet needs. A group is working on gauging community interest in the project.
    Human Resources and Policy committee recommended not exploring the early retirement buy-out option any further at this time, due to uncertainties and timing.
    Doverspike also reported on health and dental insurance changes, as well as employee handbook revisions.
    Doverspike reported construction is going really well overall.
    The projected defecit for the 2016-17 budget is $65,000, but there are still a few things to play out.
    Principal Bill Clouse gave an update on construction at the high school, and interviewing for open positions.
    Elementary Principal Erika Johnson reported on the Math Masters competition, PBIS, field trips, evaluations, and planning.
    Pupil Services Director Michelle Zagozen reported the last playgroup of the year was held May 12, with good turnout.
    The next regular board meeting will be held June 22.