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District announces teacher cuts
Published Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Fergus Falls School Board on Monday released the names of the 13 teachers who will lose their jobs with the district next school year, as well as the 23 being placed on unrequested leave of absence.
“It’s very hard to explain to staff that we value them but yet we’re putting them on unrequested leave,” said Superintendent Jerry Ness. “It’s a sad meeting in many ways, that this has to happen.”
The cuts come as the district works to shave $2.3 million from next year’s budget and get out of statutory operating debt in two to three years. The instructional cuts make up over half of this year’s cuts.
Paul Jaeger is one of the 13 non-tenured teachers whose contracts will not be renewed for next year. A 2007 graduate of Bethel University in St. Paul, Jaeger moved to Fergus Falls in August to teach social studies at the Alternative Learning Center. After word of cuts began to circulate earlier this winter, Jaeger says he wasn’t surprised to learn this year would be his first and only in Fergus Falls.
“I had assumed I would be going considering I’m conveniently located at the bottom of the seniority list,” he said.
The following teachers are also among those whose contracts are up for termination and non-renewal: Desiree Graham, communication arts/literature, 7-12; Shelly Karlstad, language arts, 7-12; Beth Santwire Monke, counselor, K-12; Rebecca Cossette, mathematics, 5-8; Molly Johnson, keyboarding for computer, K-8; Scott Kummrow, instrumental and classroom music, K-12; Sharman Nunley Johnson, Spanish, 7-12, Britt Piekarski, life science, 9-12; Carol Rengel, social studies, 5-8, physical education, K-12; Heidi Retzlaff, social studies, 5-8, physical education, K-12, keyboarding for computers, K-8; Peder Butenhoff, visual arts, K-12; Heather Ziemer, visual arts, K-12.
The second group of teachers, those placed on unrequested leave, are tenured staff who may be hired back by the district in the next five years as positions become available.
“A lot of us that are on that cut list have been here around the same length of time,” said Niki Welde, who’s spent a decade teaching Fergus Falls middle schoolers and coaching cross country and track.
“We’re kind of the new teachers after 10 years.”
In previous years, the school district has announced teaching cuts in the spring, only to bring staff back with modified full-time equivalencies by summer. Ness said the same is true for some of the 23 teachers placed on the unrequested leave list.
“Of these, there’s 11 staff members that will either be partially back or full-time,” Ness said. “I know this is a long list but also there is a number of staff members from this list that will be returning to work for 544.”
Yet the severity of the district’s financial situation has left Welde and others feeling less confident about their returns next year.
“In my 10 years I’ve been cut eight times,” she said, referring to placement on the unrequested leave list. “I’d say this is probably my scariest of the eight years.”
Teachers placed on unrequested leave of absence include the following: Terri Aho, elementary, K-6; Ellen Anderson, elementary, K-6, mild to moderate mentally handicapped, K-12; Kathy Bjork, elementary, K-6; Jill Damrau, elementary, K-6; Monique Davis, elementary, K-6; Janette Fletchall, elementary, K-6; Rebecca Houge, elementary, K-6; Michelle Kangas, elementary, 1-6; Angela Larson, elementary, 1-6; Kevin Pearson, elementary, 1-6; Pam Torkelson, elementary K-6; Nichola Welde, elementary, K-6; Sara Sundberg, Spanish, K-8; Erin Johnson, EB/D K-12, SLD K-12; Bonnie Hein, mild to moderate mentally handicapped, K-12; Barb Gutzmer, mild to moderate mentally handicapped, K-12; Dennis Bowman, mathematics, 7-12; Renee Erickson, physical education, K-12; Deborah Holicky, physical education, K-12; Dana Flint, vocal and classroom music, K-12; Angela Haarstad, family and consumer science, 7-12; Carrie Sikkink, communications technology careers, 9-12; Paul Talley, technology, 5-12.
For teachers like Welde, there’s not much to do but wait and see what the next several weeks bring.
“We really don’t want to leave the community — it’s a great community,” she said, referencing her family. “We’re looking at what we can try to do to stay and wait out the storm.”
Staff Cuts:
Teaching cuts were not the only staffing changes announced at Monday’s school board meeting. The board also discontinued a handful of non-certified staff positions, including: district buildings and grounds and maintainance supervisor; district volunteer coordinator; district laundress; personnel manager; three special education paraprofessionals; two secretaries; two and a half custodial positions.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by melindakay (anonymous) on April 15, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have worked in a different school district for three years, have never been cut, and am getting tenure this year.
When is Fergus going to stop cutting jobs every year? Whether they are hiring back or not, this is ridiculous. Teachers deserve much better.
Posted by paultommerdahl (anonymous) on April 15, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I had Michelle Kangas in 6th grade...she was cut and rehired that year...that was 10 years ago...and she's on the list again?
(unless I'm unaware of her not working in the district for a while?)
Posted by paultommerdahl (anonymous) on April 15, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
By the way, Mrs. Kangas was the best teacher I had in middle school...
Posted by OtterMom (anonymous) on April 15, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh my! What a shame. Our children need those teachers. And some wonderful ones they are. Nicki Welde...AWESOME, Michelle Kangas...great teacher, the students love her, as well such a friendly person in the community, Dana Flint...you'll never find a better choir instructor/director. My child doesn't go to school on Wednesdays at 7:30AM just to go. It's to sing for Mrs. Flint. Let's hope that these three and some of the other fine ones are back with our children in September.
Posted by canitbe (anonymous) on April 15, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This could not have been an easy decision at all for the board or Mr. Ness.
It's time for the community leaders to step up and work hard to bring more families to the community and keep them in the community and their kids in the schools.
Posted by FergusFamily (anonymous) on April 15, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a shame. I am sad not only for our current condition, but what kind of message this sends to aspiring teachers. As parents, it's hard to consider recommending this vocation to our children knowing what they may face. It's disheartening to be in this position and lose such good people - many of whome may leave Fergus Falls (and take their families with them).
Posted by ilovefergusfalls (anonymous) on April 15, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm very sad that these cuts have had to be made. The truth is we are losing fantastic teachers. I would love to see Fergus Falls support these teachers and the administration. Our district is going through hard times as are many other districts in Minnesota. Our administration has had to make tough decisions and I believe there is hope for the future. My hope is that all of these teachers find other jobs that they are happy with. Attitude is everything and I would love to see the people of this community keep a positive attitude during these difficult times.
Posted by klingetb (anonymous) on April 15, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fergus Falls in bound and determined to just have this town full of geese and retired people.
Posted by Brandon (anonymous) on April 15, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, it's sad to see these teachers go. But most of the good teachers will be hired back in the fall, hopefully.
The district isn't just cutting people willy-nilly, they have to make cuts because of their budget.
Posted by welovedogs (anonymous) on April 15, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mrs.Damrau and Mrs.Bjork are the GREATEST teachers! I really hope they get hired back!
Posted by paultommerdahl (anonymous) on April 15, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As I stated before, I don't like to see these teachers go. But, it is the system that teachers unions have set up - everything is based on seniority.
The part that bothers me is that some teachers that are still on staff have no desire to be there and just need to work for a year or two more to get to retirement. Believe me, there were a few when I was at FFHS a few years back and I'm sure there are still a few. They make twice the pay that the fresh, enthusiastic new teachers do and put forth half the effort. There is no single economic incentive for a teacher to do better or worse, as the step and lane pay scale is set and has zero weight toward performance.
Do I have an answer for this? No...but I wish there was a way to have these teachers evaluated/paid/retained based on their abilities and not on how long they've been on the job (like the rest of the working world seems to find a way to do).
Posted by ginger_ale (anonymous) on April 15, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Saddened? Than do something about this mess and vote for a Democratic governor... No new taxes means that local communities and school districts face increased economic strain. It is unfortunate when teachers such as Niki Welde and Barb Gutzmer (and many others), who have remained loyal to the district, face the threat of these cuts.
Posted by chocolit (anonymous) on April 15, 2008 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How sad and scary! I do not know how these teachers do it! It seems I read about it every year. Having grown up in Fergus and receiving my undergraduate degree there in MN, I have always wanted to come back to where my family is. However, I have not tried to do so do to the lack of job security. So, I will continue to live and work in a large urban school district where I will always be assured of a job.
Posted by FFHSStudent08 (anonymous) on April 15, 2008 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I cannot believe this school district, because of their inability to create a stable financial budget over the past few years they will be losing some of their best teachers. I know the district is not completely to blame for their financial situation, but, they could have done their part to make sure all of their money was being managed correctly. They are losing some very excellent teachers that they may never gain back because of this. Examples: Peder Butenhoff (Boot); Carrie Sikkink; Kevin Pearson; Dennis Bowman; Deb Holicky; Angie Larson! All excellent teachers that will be a loss to the district, I hope they all can find a good teaching job where they don't have a chance to be cut. This is just too bad, I support any of these teachers all the way. Boot, Sikkink; keep strong, you will find something.
Posted by LoisMustDie (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 1:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, gingerale, voting for a Dem for Gov would be the worst thing you could do for the state. Democrats are idealogically incorrect, spiritually dead, and morally bankrupt!
Posted by Sissy1 (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 6:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why is it, when anything is wrong, it is always the Sr citizens that get the blame. We are suppose to give up our job, so new, refreshing young people can have theirs? We worked long and hard to get where we are at, too. All we ask for, is a little respect and a chance to retire, so we can enjoy life as a retiree. As far as the town, if you don't like it, then you should do something to change it.
Posted by FergusFamily (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
On the retirement issue, it would be wrong to put all senior citizens in a "kick em out" category. But it's nearly reverse discrimination to promise long-term teachers their job SOLELY because they have been there a long time, without regard to their job performance. I agree with Mr. Tommerdahl and think educators should be held accountable to job performance - just like the private sector.
Posted by centralmnusa (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If they get tired enough of getting treated shabbily, they'll become true union members and act against the treatment. If they don't get politicaaly active they will continue to get the free market conservatives that are trying to kill all things public to make it easier to privatize.
Only a return to a truly progressive income tax can return us to the days prior to the 70's when we lowered the income tax rates for the rich and relied on the regressive property tax!
Posted by sassica (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the paper should have listed all the extra things these teachers volunteer for in the schools besides their job teaching. What about the coaching and other extra-curricular activities these people are taking part in?
Posted by Kris (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't understand why all of you are so shocked by these teacher cuts. Didn't you pass a referendum that remodeled your schools and closed some of them? Less classrooms equals fewer teachers. You have lost almost 900 students in the last 10 yrs. You shouldn't need as many teachers. The loss of students is no ones fault, as the average family size has shrunk from over 5 kids per family to less the 2 kids per family, so please don't blame your administration for this. This is just good business sense. If any business lost 1/3 of it's customer base thru population loss they would also cut their employee base. You should be thanking your school board for being proactive in this and facing reality. they are planning for the future of your school. I wish the board from our district were as realistic as the Fergus Falls board. We are dividing up classrooms when they get over 25 kids in a section. This is just not financially feasible and we are losing kids at the same rate as you, yet we have yet to cut a teaching position. Teachers have to realize that in any job, teaching or otherwise, your postion can be cut if needed. While I agree that teaching is a difficult and possibly unrewarding position, Teachers need to realize that simply because you were hired does not mean that you have a job for life. The student # have to be there. I also do a great deal in my job that is not in my job description. Not because I have to , but because I want to. Don't think that teachers are being forced to do any extra jobs that they don't wish to do. Coaches get paid(maybe not enough, but that is another column), any overtime is also paid. Teaching is also the only job where you can give yourself an automatic raise just by going to a few extra college classes. It doesn't matter if your employer( the tax payer) wanted you to go to school or not. you get to make that decision and it gives you a pay raise. All school districts in the state are going thru the same thing. enrollment is down in rural areas and that is not going to change. So I say, Congrats to the Fergus board and administration for facing reality and planning for your districts future. I wish we had the same board.
Posted by TKay (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 8:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a serious statewide issue that needs to be addressed.
"At least 1,000 Minnesota teachers will be laid off by the end of this school year, a pair of polls found."
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/article/200...
Posted by Kris (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Because schools have to become fiscally responsible, They have to make layoffs. Remember Less Students!!!!Watch as heating and Transportation cost become higher for all these districts. You can't cut heat entirely in MN. You can cut transportation and that is a real possibility. How many of you can drive your kids to school each day? There are so many cuts that will have to be made in all areas. these boards have their hands tied. Unfunded state mandates are a huge cost to these districts, but you know it doesn't just affect just the schools.. Trucks are quitting, due to high fuel costs, Seniors are choosing between heat, meds and food. Much as I would like to feel just terrible for those poor teachers, you must realize, everyone is facing job cuts.
Posted by melindakay (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kris are you by chance a school administrator? Because you sure sound like one.
It is NOT true that all school districts in MN are facing the same problem. See the very first post. My school district hires new teachers every year due to open enrollment. NO CUTS! While I agree that the state and nation needs to better fund our schools, the district is also to blame for not handling their money better. The community also needs to support their district financially.
FF is not going to attract well-qualified candidates when they keep cutting the teachers they have. Ironically, it's the same problem Minneapolis and St. Paul have. Treat your teachers well and you will have great teachers. Treat them like crap... you get the point. FF is lucky to still have some great teachers, but no new ones will come in at this rate.
Posted by welovedogs (anonymous) on April 16, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
melindakay- well said!
Posted by Venti (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
www.house.leg.state.mn.us/fiscal/files/0...
"Statewide, by 2009, it is projected that 272 of 343 school districts (or 79 percent) will be
experiencing declining enrollment. However, much of that decline will be occurring in the rural
parts of Minnesota. As Figure 2 shows, 90 percent (28 of 31) of the districts in the Northeast
region projected to be in decline, while only 60 percent (29 of 48) of school districts in the
metropolitan region will be experiencing declining enrollment. Most rural regions have more
than the statewide average of 79 percent of districts in the region in decline, while the
metropolitan region is below this average."
Wierd how school district with higher rates of declining enrollment might have to cut teaching jobs at higher rates then the school districts with lower rates of declining, or perhaps even growing, enrollment. Who'da Thunk?
Posted by Kris (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
wish I was. No I work for 8.50 an hour. Oh that I was in Administration!!!!!
Posted by MyFurryFriend56537 (anonymous) on April 17, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
melindakay - what are the enrollment numbers for your district for the past years? Any positive correlation b/t that and the number of teachers your district hires?
This is an unfortunate sitiuation. I am concerned about the effects that layoffs have on teachers' morale. But what can we do if we keep losing students?
Posted by melindakay (anonymous) on April 18, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, as I mentioned earlier, we are able to hire more teachers because our enrollment numbers grow - NOT due to population, but to open enrollment. Our school is run much better than a couple neighboring schools, so parents have chosen to move their kids to our schools. We also have immersion programs that are boosting open enrollment numbers.
Fergus is losing students because people are losing faith in the district - for good reason, in my humble opinion. I wouldn't want to send my student to a poorly funded school that uses its resources unwisely, either.
Posted by TKay (anonymous) on April 18, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Curious~ melindakay what school district are you referring to that is hiring more teachers and has immersion programs? Sounds interesting.
Posted by MyFurryFriend56537 (anonymous) on April 18, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The number of students in the FF district who attend other schools at the moment pales in comparison to the number of students we have lost due to aging families (i.e. children grow up and move to other places). The sad fact is there are not many good jobs in FF to attract families. In earlier times, such as in the pre-1980s, many people could find decent paying jobs in FF. But these days, with more and more high school grads getting college degrees, it just doesn't make any sense to come to the FF area. It also doesn't make any sense for FF grads to come back. (Did you come back?) Ultimately, this is the main factor that affects FF public school enrollment.
Posted by Venti (anonymous) on April 18, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone notice Figure 3 in the link I posted?
"Interestingly, districts in the smallest 20 percent of size were nearly as stable as districts in the largest 20 percent of size."
Take this into account along with...
"As enrollment shrinks, districts lose revenue, but may not be able to cut expenses as quickly as revenues are falling. For example, the largest component of school district budgets is for teacher salaries. As enrollment declines, revenue is lost, but the expenditures for teacher salaries may not fall as quickly, as districts attempt to maintain class sizes, but are required by collective bargaining agreements in many cases to lay off the least experienced (and lowest paid) teachers, resulting in relatively smaller budget savings in proportion to lost revenue."
Is it really that surprising that people might be choosing to send their kids to places like Underwood as opposed to Fergus Falls? Speaking of open enrollment...
http://www.fergusfallsjournal.com/news/2...
melindakay, in your first post on this article you ask "When is Fergus going to stop cutting jobs every year? Whether they are hiring back or not, this is ridiculous. Teachers deserve much better." Now you are saying that "Fergus is losing students because people are losing faith in the district - for good reason, in my humble opinion. I wouldn't want to send my student to a poorly funded school that uses its resources unwisely, either." So basically you are claiming that District 544 is a poorly funded district (which is a direct effect of their steadily declining enrollment) and that the funds they do have they spend "unwisely" because they are cutting teaching jobs. So even though the the school district has lost over 25% of it's students in the last decade (which again, correlates to a proportionate loss in $$$) and is projected to lose another 375 students over the next 5 years bringing the total to almost 40% since 1997... http://www.fergusfallsjournal.com/news/2...... (which is not all due to open enrollment, some, yes, but much of it is also due to the fact there are simply less young people in the community), yet they should not be cutting teaching jobs because "teachers deserve much better?"
Posted by Kris (anonymous) on April 18, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with Melinda that teachers deserve better, however so do I. Maybe we could make a law that says once you are hired for a job you can never be fired. Even if I lose all the clients that I serve everyday due to death, (thats the only way I lose them)The job is still there and now I get paid for doing nothing. Does that make sense? It's unfortunate, but at least in these rural districts, (not Melinda's) student # are down. You can't hire teachers for empty classrooms because you feel bad if you lay them off. I would like to know what color the sky is in Melinda's world. I bet it's bright blue all the time.
Posted by melindakay (anonymous) on April 18, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kris, this is my last post. You are ignoring the reason that teachers are being laid off. Student numbers are down for many reasons, but two main reasons are the lack of good financial planning by the district and the community not financially supporting the district when asked.
Another fact: Teachers at the high school are supposed to teach 6 periods a day next year, and some teachers will have 40 students per classroom (social studies, for example, has been told that). That's 240 students per trimester/semester. What quality assignments will students have when teachers will have to grade 240 of whatever they assign? Being a teacher, I can tell you that answer: about zero. So don't tell me that teachers need to be laid off. There needs to be more money to pay the teachers so they don't get laid off.
Posted by Kris (anonymous) on April 18, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good college prep for those students
Posted by Kris (anonymous) on April 18, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good college prep for those students. By the way, someone seems to be getting a little testy. Both of my daughters came from very large class sizes. Did very well in high school and college. Now we seem to pander to these kids. They need to feel that they are getting special time. Class sizes have been cut in 1/2 in the last 6 years. We have had no cuts in teachers and the drop out rate remains exactly the same as it was before. But we won't try to tell you anything as you seem to have a very closed mind about this issue. I am going to guess that you are a teacher and maybe your position isn't as safe as you claim.
Posted by MyFurryFriend56537 (anonymous) on April 18, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where can we find the data suggesting class sizes of 40?
Posted by MyFurryFriend56537 (anonymous) on April 18, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And I would like to edit a previous poster:
Fact: TEACHERS are being laid off (not students #s are down) for many reasons, but two MAIN reasons MAY BE the lack of good financial planning by the district and the community not financially supporting the district when asked.
It is possible FF schools lost a 'handful' of students due to increased class sizes (which is perhaps the result of school board mismanagement). I dare say the MAJORITY of FF students who go elsewhere do so for religious reasons. We really aren't going to get those students back - unless the board turns into a Dover and starts pushing religion. P.S. Not a good idea and doesn't work.
Posted by Mel (anonymous) on April 19, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems to me that the old folks, (who left the younger people with beautiful school bldgs.), would not mind just a little more tax to pay teachers. But it seems to wear a little thin to be upset that they won't fork out the cash for new bldgs.
I for one can't understand how so many teachers could be cut. It seems that something is not right, either you had to many teachers or it is some sort of mixup.
Posted by Venti (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
melindakay wrote "two main reasons are the lack of good financial planning by the district and the community not financially supporting the district when asked."
Didn't the community just pass a $32.5 million dollar bond referendum to update and improve the educational facilities in the Fergus Falls school district? Which, according to the superintendent, was done because "each year the district was being forced to spend general education fund dollars, usually reserved for teaching and learning, to maintain our facilities." Seems to me the community was asked and responded quite favorably.
As far as financial planning goes... melindakay: are you by chance a school administrator? Because you should be. Specifically in a rural school district in Minnesota.
Posted by toad3 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would think of going into Nursing , good pay and no layoffs if I was a young person.
Posted by SallyRay (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No wonder more kids are going to Underwood, Morning Son and home schooling. There is no way I'd want my child enrolled in the FF public school district. What a shame.
Posted by Kris (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
and the more kids open enroll out, the more teacher cuts will be made. This poor school board has to deal with idiots who can't see the forest for the trees.
Posted by really (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My kids are in the Fergus Falls school system and it has been a wonderful experience. They have great grades and if they need help from a teacher they get it. My kids aren't a number here. Cuts and budget changes are made because of the declining enrollment but it's not just happening here. It's happening everywhere. Rural schools suffer a great deal. Fargo schools are going through it as well. My understanding of open enrollment is when you open enroll your child to another school district - the school district you are leaving pays the other school for you to be there. If you think you can do such a better job than the current school board members then I would like to see you do it. Otherwise, keep your rude comments to yourself.
Posted by Kris (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Absolutely, my thoughts exactly, these boards are only doing what they have to. the more kids leave, the more cuts they have to make. People who choose to abandon their home districts to open enroll not only hurt the school, but all the kids who choose to stay. for every7-8 students who open enroll, enough funding for one teacher is lost to the district.
Posted by toad3 (anonymous) on April 30, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think our school board members should cut their wages like they did in Perham!
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