Nordquist coaching hiatus specified as medical leave of absence
The Falls School Board Monday discussed a clarification in the minutes of the August board meeting which regarded a football coach’s status.
Board member Roger Jerome addressed the board on his finding that the previous meeting’s minutes recorded an incorrect usage of terms regarding the status of football coach Stuart Nordquist. Jerome said his recollection was that Nordquist was approved for a medical leave of absence from the coaching position, not a resignation, of which board member Willi Kostiuk voiced an agreement.
“If the minutes are changed to reflect that, I do have two head coaches in place, correct?” said Superintendent Don Langan regarding the recent appointment of Jay Boyle as head football coach. “One of them would be given a letter of non-renewal?” he questioned.
Some discussion continued on the effects of an amendment before the board agreed on amending the minutes to the LOA status. “One board action does not create a precedent,” said Langan, “but may create a predisposition.”
Nordquist addressed Langan directly. “So it’s a leave of absence. Do you understand that Dr. Langan?”
To which Langan replied, “Every word.”
Jerome closed the discussion by saying that he didn’t think the issue would create a headache for the district “considering the integrity of the people involved.”
In educational matters, two additional personnel items added to the agenda were approved, which were the 2009-10 hiring of Angie Schwartz as an hourly elementary reading instructor, and Marc Glowack as an hourly elementary math instructor. Langan commented that the two were recommended in lieu of creating more fifth- or sixth-grade sections, of which large class sizes have been an ongoing issue.
A citizen’s committee has been formed to campaign in favor of the district’s upcoming operating referendum, to be on a November election ballot.
Gail Rasmussen, retired teacher who served the district for 38 years, has agreed to accept the role of chairwoman of the committee.
Two questions will be decided by voters of the Nov. 3 special election.
Ballot Question No. 1 regards continuation of the district’s operating referendum levy which requires renewal because the current tax levy expires in one year.
A yes vote to the first question on the ballot will bring no increase in taxes.
However, the additional Ballot Question No. 2 on the referendum would bring a tax increase. Additional revenue funding is being requested by the International Falls Recreation Commission and the passing of this referendum question is contingent upon the passing of Ballot Question No. 1.
Langan said Rasmussen will first recruit community members to serve on the committee, of which about a dozen have already volunteered service.
The referendum campaign has already secured advertising space with The Daily Journal, and air space with the local radio station, to promote its passing.
No public funds may be legally used to promote a “yes” vote, the intent of the campaign. The referendum will be the topic of a coming Brown Bag Luncheon at the Holiday Inn in the Falls.
High school principal Tim Everson reported 642 students enrolled currently, and elementary school principal Jerry Hilfer reported 634 students, both showing slight increases for the school year. Hilfer stated that losses and gains in enrollment seem to alternate each year.
But head counts do not fully translate to funded students, both principals noted, citing part-time students who are also enrolled at Rainy River Community College. The state assesses the average hours students spend in the school for the average daily membership or ADM, which determines funding. This explains a discrepancy between the ADM figure and the actual head count.
Kevin Grover, assistant to the superintendent, said he is now building an ADM base with monthly tracking to more accurately estimate and project funding amounts, as well as identify enrollment slippage areas.
