School Board approves resignations, hires

    In a regular meeting held April 20, the Durand Board of Education approved staffing changes..
    Mandy Wegner and Matthew Sam appeared before the board to provide an update of student activities, including the forensics team’s second-place finish at State, Dunn-St. Croix Scholar Athletes, solo and ensemble. The Wizard of Oz, winter sports banquet, Reality Check, post prom fundraiser, FCCLA’s trip to State, and the senior class participating in a spring clean-up day.
    Jason Weisenbeck and Paul Hoch were sworn in as re-elected Board members.
    Superintendent Greg Doverspike thanked them both for serving another term. Doverspike presented canvassed election results to the Board.
    The Board passed a placement of deed restrictions on the sale of Arkansaw Elementary School to restrict sale to buyers whose intent is to provide Pre-K through 12 education. The restriction ensures that whomever purchases the building cannot use the property to provide education to students that would compete with the Durand School District for students.
    The Board approved resignations from middle school football coach Steve Dahl, JV volleyball coach Valerie Dehnke, C-team volleyball coach Kayla Rubenzer, and high school science teacher Kellen Doerr.
    The Board approved the hiring of a high school English teacher and Samuel Gray as middle/senior high school choir teacher.
    Doverspike reported the Human Resources and Policy Committee was recommending a starting teacher pay increase of $1,250, and increasing the top end by $1,000. This would cost the District an estimated $25,000 total after other factors.
    Doverspike also reported the committee forwarded a retirement buyout proposal after being approached by some staff members, and would like to have a full Board discussion. The proposal would be $8,500 per year paid over five years, with no continued health insurance. Discussion was held, and the committee will further pursue the proposal.
    Doverspike reported the District was part of a Class Action Lawsuit, and received just over $44,000. The money will be used to help offset a fund used for retiree health insurance benefit payments.
    Doverspike also reported the construction project is flying. The first week of May will bring the gym floor, case work, and flooring to Caddie Woodlawn. Second story masonry at the high school has started. The roof is scheduled for installation the week of May 11. The high school office will move the last week of school, and the building will be turned over May 31.
    Doverspike updated the Board on the 2016-17 budget.
    Durand hosted the WASB new board member meeting April 21.
    Doverspike reported the District saved 18.5 percent on the high school by purchasing natural gas on the open market. The District will continue the plan next year.
    The District learned in early April they qualified for some grant funding based on teacher training for technology this year. Durand put together a three-day training in June, working together with Alma, Pepin, and Plum City.
    Staff will need to document all snow make-up hours by noon May 21.
    The District is looking at two health insurance options. A 10 percent increase is budgeted.
    Due to low numbers, the district cancelled the boys tennis schedule this year. The program is being run as an intramural this year to gauge interest for next year.
    A special board meeting was scheduled for May 10 at 6 p.m. for reorganization and building tours.
    High School Principal Bill Clouse reported five students scored 33 or higher on the ACTs, with one perfect score of 36. The cumulative score was around 22.3, more than 1/2 a point higher than last year. Three juniors also qualified for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
    Elementary Principal Erika Johnson reported students collected over $1,700 through the Pennies for Patients drive for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
    The next regular meeting will be held May 18.