When students and staff return to school this fall, there will be new parking spaces, curb and gutter at the School District 166 Grand Marais campus.
Superintendent Beth Schwarz reported at the July 23, 2015 school board meeting that Edwin E. Thoreson Inc. was the lone bidder for the completion of phase II of the school’s parking lot renovation with a bid of $158,368. It was originally anticipated that this phase would cost $134,000. With just a single bid, there was still room for negotiations before the final contract was awarded.
Greg Gastecki from Thoreson’s was on hand to discuss the bid and said there are many areas where the cost could be adjusted downward. However, additional funds would need to be paid to the architect to redesign the project. Gastecki pointed out that the architect included the etching of sidewalks that would double the cost of a standard sidewalk. Also three flag poles with LED lights will total $19,000. He added that the two “pretty but pricey” monument walls are slated to cost $20,000 each. Gastecki said the current plans “have the cat’s meow and everything in it!” He also suggested dispensing with $7,000 that would be needed for adding trees and bushes and waiting to add them at a time of year when better product is available.
The board accepted the bid with the caveat that they will work with Thoreson’s to bring the cost down. Construction is expected to be complete before the start of school.
Wahlstrom approved for coaching
Continuing a discussion from the June 18 meeting, the board again considered the request of April Wahlstrom to coach the cross country team while still on maternity leave from her teaching position. The board’s original decision to not allow her to coach was brought into question when it was determined there had been a similar situation in the past where the teacher was allowed to coach. Although maternity leave is not a paid leave, teachers are allowed to use accumulated sick leave pay during parental leaves. Board Member Sissy Lunde reiterated the previous position that if on sick leave, you’re on sick leave.
After some lengthy debate Wahlstrom was approved to coach the upcoming season by a vote of 3-1 with Lunde being the lone nay vote and Member Terry Collins abstaining.
In other business
. Collins spoke of contract negotiations with the Cook County Education Association. He stated that the district’s offer is “clearly on the table” and he has not heard back with any counter offer yet.
. Schwarz reported that she had attended a meeting of the Arrowhead Regional Consortium and was surprised to learn that many schools do not have a policy similar to ISD 166 concerning students being denied a hot lunch for having delinquent lunch accounts. Cook County Schools adopted a policy several months ago that no student shall be denied a regular hot lunch regardless of such circumstances. She stated that some districts in fact impose penalties such as no athletics for students with delinquent accounts.
. The board agreed to re-hire PE/Social Studies teacher Andrea Hofeldt, at slightly less than full time. Hofeldt was a probationary teacher terminated at one of the last meetings because adjustments were needed because of lower student enrollment. Also approved for hire were teacher Kristen Bisson and substitute teachers John Burrell and Emma Spoon. Erika Ternes was approved as a part-time choir teacher since funding has now been received to bring choir back to the school district.
. The resignation of Media Center Supervisor Hannah Johnson was accepted and the position has been advertised with hopes to have it filled by the next board meeting.
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