School district looks at faculty cuts
When the Peabody-Burns board of education met April 10, Superintendent Tom Alstrom reviewed several possible scenarios regarding staffing. Until the legislature makes a final decision on state funding for education for the 2002-2003 school year, no final decisions regarding district teachers and support staff can be made.
However, depending on the amount of money the district receives, the cuts could include three full-time teaching positions and two classified positions in District 398.
"We still have no idea about the funding," Alstrom told the board. "Right now the legislature says they are leaning toward funding the same amount as last year. But they don't really know where that money will come from."
He added that even if the funding remains the same, there will have to be some belt tightening. "The health insurance issue is not settled yet. We are probably looking at a 25% increase in premiums."
If cuts in state money are as little as $20 per pupil, it will mean a deficit of $72,000 to the district. If the state cuts go deeper, the deficit also will get larger.
"This may mean cuts to staff and programs," Alstrom warned the board.
In other business, the board received a duplicate of the letter that was read by Brad Stuhlsatz at the last school board meeting. The letter asked that board president Doe Ann Hague resign.
The duplicate was signed by the following: Kevin Bass, David Ferren, Judy Ferren, Earl Glenn, Mary A. Glenn, Calvin Hall, Esta Hall, William M. Hatfield, Tim Jenkins, Cecilia Kennedy, Christian Nelson, Amy Reagan, Marty Reagan, William Spangler, Herb Strotkamp, Steven Stucky, Barb Stuhlsatz, Katrina Thompson, Shane Thompson, and Earl Winsor.
Hague again told the board she would not resign.
The board agreed to issue an invitation to Mike Hurst, 2001 State 2A golf champion, to attend the spring athletic banquet and be recognized since he won the state honor after last year's banquet had been held.
Duke Eldridge and Peggy Phillips were selected to present diplomas at the graduation ceremony, Kathy Preheim reviewed the science curriculum, and the summer camp was approved for the cheerleading squad.
The summer school program was reviewed by Ken Parry and summer school contracts were approved for Melinda Harry, Shawna McCartney, Sarah Waddell, Tony Speaks, Pat Neufeld, and Juanita Richstatter. Summer school will be held from June 3 to 21.
The board accepted the resignation of science teacher Todd Zerger and approved a contract for Brian Simmonds to teach driver's education this summer.
On a motion by Gary Jones, the board accepted a low bid from Grosse Construction for the removal and disposal of waste from the Burns school building with the provision that all permits be on file at the central office and that KDHE regulations regarding off-site burial be followed. The vote to accept the $26,750 bid was approved 6-1 with Duke Eldridge opposed.
In an added agenda item, Eldridge voiced his concern about the need for a policy for board response to the media.
"I think that when the school is contacted for a response to a given situation, there should be an official statement given. When we just say "no comment" I don't think we help our district," he said. "People read or hear accusations about an issue, but the school makes no response."
After discussion, no action was taken.
Following the regular reports of the superintendent and principals, the board went into executive session to discuss negotiations. Two additional executive sessions for the purpose of discussing personnel matters were held before adjournment of the meeting at 10 p.m.
