Durand Board of Education approves hires

In a regular meeting held July 15, the Durand Board of Education accepted resignations, approved hires, and heard updates.
The Board approved the consent agenda, including the agenda, minutes of the June 24 regular meeting, treasurer’s report, and vouchers.
Sarah Smith, president of the choir parent group, appeared to request the Board’s blessing for a fundraising activity at the parish hall in Eau Galle. A family fun day is being planned, and the group would like to sell beer in a separate room, and will comply with the rules set forth by St. Henry’s. Some discussion was held, and the Board stated no objection.
The District’s insurance policy through EMC for property, casualty, and workers compensation was due for renewal. Superintendent Greg Doverspike reported a slight increase, which was expected. This year’s premium is $81,911, an increase of $2,784, or 3.52 percent. The rate is still lower than it was three years ago.
Doverspike reported three bids were received for excavation for the temporary access road and parking lot modifications at Caddie Woodlawn, and RM Schlosser had the low bid. Auth Consulting certified the bid. The Board approved RM Schlosser for the project.
A contract with Neola Policy Services was presented. Neola will be assisting the district in updating their policies, and keeping them current. An upfront cost of $8,500 will be incurred, and the rest of the fees will occur in increments.
Doverspike presented a resignation from Valarie Dehnke as a paraprofessional. The board approved.
Doverspike also presented hire recommendations for Jason Anger to replace Ella Shaw as high school English teacher, Theresa Brantner and Jessica Poeschel-Frei as elementary school special education paraprofessionals, Mary Sinz and Dawn Anderson for two food server positions, and Kris Seiler for the assistant cook position for the middle and high schools. The board approved.
Doverspike presented a rough draft of the district goals for 2015-16. A final draft will be presented at the August meeting.
Doverspike presented the WRS rate for 2016. The rate went down .4 percent overall, resulting in a .2 percent reduction for employers and .2 percent for employees. The overall rate as of January 1, 2016, will be 13.2 percent. The district will see a savings of about $5,391.
Doverspike updated the board on the preliminary figures for how the 2014-15 budget year was ended. The annual audit will occur the end of this month. Doverspike said additional funds will be moved into Fund 73 for the referendum.
Doverspike stated there was nothing new to add regarding the 2015-16 budget.
Doverspike also reported the 2015-17 State budget was signed, and funding will remain the same next year. He touched on a couple of items, such as voucher expansion, special needs vouchers, and home school athlete participation. Doverspike said schools have three options: allow home school athletes to participate and leave the WIAA, don’t allow them to participate and remain in the WIAA, or the WIAA may change its bylaws. Doverspike also noted high-cost transportation aid was increased, and a civics graduation test will be implemented.
The change to the SAGE law was also signed into law. Principal Erika Johnson stated it will provide more flexibility in funding, and they will not plan for any changes in the next year.
Doverspike presented the annual 2013-14 report from CVTC. He said Durand is competing with the likes of Eau Claire North, Eau Claire Memorial, and Chippewa Falls in regards to number of transcripted credit offerings and youth options students taking classes at CVTC. Doverspike said the report shows the District’s commitment to offering a high-level high school experience, and their growing relationship with CVTC.
Doverspike also reported the District is projected to receive a reduction of $108,486 in state aid next year. Final numbers are due in October, and the estimate represents a 2.08 percent decrease.
Doverspike reminded the board members that the CESA Joint event will be held Wednesday, August 12, in Turtle Lake, and encouraged board members to let himself or Linda know if they are interested in attending.
Doverspike added he received word that a $20,000 WTI grant was received for elementary technology and Smart tables. He also reported the first set of bids was sent out Monday, and will be due back the 28th. The 10 percent match for QZAB is being worked on. Market and Johnson will be working on temporary fencing and walls at Caddie Woodlawn soon.
Principal Bill Clouse reported summer school credit recovery is well under way, and technical difficulties are being worked out. The online option through K12 is being used this year.
Clouse also reported some holdups with schedules due to time commitments and requirements of teachscape.
Clouse also reported the cleaning crew is making really good progress to have the buildings ready when the staff and students begin to return.
Johnson reported her Teachscape evaluations have been submitted to the Department of Public Instruction, and classroom and homeroom lists for 2015-16 were complete.
Johnson also reported the location of summer school has been changed to the middle and high school. A letter has been sent out to parents.
Johnson also reported she has been working on prepping Caddie for the 2015-16 school year, and meeting with architects on layout and inventory needs of various spaces.
Curriculum Coordinator Barb O’Brien reported she received notice from the DPI that there would be no fall WKCE, and the state budget is not funding the fall aspire test.