Voters to decide on Rec funding

A resolution to call for the district’s special election was approved Monday at the regular meeting of the Falls School Board. The special election regards continuation of the district’s operating referendum levy (Ballot Question No. 1) 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 board also approved the additional Ballot Question No. 2 on the referendum, which 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. Joe Schwartz of the commission spoke to the board Monday.

Proposed in the second question is increasing the general education revenue by $70 per pupil which would add $109,000 to the operating budget. The additional funding would be to support youth activities, Schwartz said.

Taxpayers will be sent a detailed explanation of the proposal which also includes charting of the potential tax increases. For example: a homeowner with property valued at $75,000 would pay an $11 increase in taxes and those with property valued at $225,000 would pay a $33 increase. The proposed revenue authorization would be applicable for 10 years.

Schwartz explained that recreation fees for families and recreation costs are continuing to go up. “And we’ve added wrestling and soccer,” he said. “We are asking you to include this question on the November ballot.”

Board member Roger Jerome expressed his concern that in the event that the proposal is passed, other entities such as the city of International Falls, which currently contributes funds for recreation, might withdraw support due to growing economic concerns.

On a side issue pertaining to Ballot Question No. 1, Langan has concerns about its misleading language for approving a new authorization of the tax levy. He clarified that in spite of the wording which implies that a “yes” vote will increase taxes, this is not so. He wants the public to understand that approval just continues the current operating levy.

Nordquist not ruling out future coaching

The Falls School Board’s Monday acceptance of the resignation of former head football coach Stuart Nordquist, and subsequent approval of Jay Boyle as the new coach, prompted some definition of Nordquist’s future assumptions, as well as the meaning of some verbiage in a newly amended coaches/advisors policy.

Nordquist stated at the board’s recent regular meeting that his reason for resigning was due to a back problem which was not currently responding to medical treatment.

Nonetheless, Superintendent Don Langan asked Nordquist directly if he was still open to reapplying for the coaching position in the future, and possibly as early as the 2011-12 school year. To this, Nordquist answered that he was still open to reapplying.

Langan called for a clarification that Nordquist’s inherent plan should not include a presumption of employment. Nordquist responded that in the event of his back improving, he understood that he would be asking only to be considered for the coaching post which is filled under one-year contract agreements.

Also adopted Monday was an amendment to the policy regarding the hiring of coaches (Policy 424.5 Coaches/Advisors). Some discussion ensued before the amendment was approved.

Nordquist asked Langan to explain the addition of the term “true vacancy” to the policy. Langan stated that the clarification is needed because presumably, all coaching positions are vacant each year under the terms of one-year contracts.

He explained that a “true vacancy” exists when the current coach will not be recommended for rehiring by the board, and coaching by that individual is permanently finished.

Nordquist also questioned part of the amended language that deals with an individual’s failed recommendation by the board to continue in a coaching position.

Nordquist wanted clarification that even in that circumstance, a candidate has 14 days in which to ask about the reasons for the lack of recommendation, after which the board has 10 days to respond.

FALLS SCHOOL BOARD NOTES

• After hearing a presentation by City Councilor Cynthia Jaksa on the development of new educational and government access channel, the Falls School Board Monday approved a resolution to support the endeavor. Jaksa stated that the new channel could regularly poll a group of citizens for public input and would keep all citizens better informed. Over time, the public would become more educated and engaged, Jaksa said. Government meetings could also be taped.

• The Falls School Board approved a transportation contract with Bruce and Jean Reinke for school transportation services through 2011.

• The following 2009-10 personnel items were approved Monday: Doreen Swendsen as human rights officer for adult female employees; Tom Vollum as Indian Education coordinator and LEA representative for Title VII Indian Education; Sarah Bradley as full-time physical education and health teacher; Kevin Erickson as full-time elementary teacher; increase to full time for Missy Walls with funding from Learning Readiness and Early Childhood revenues; Luke Zika as assistant boys basketball coach; Jay Boyle as assistant girls basketball coach; and Marc Glowack as assistant boys hockey coach.

• The board was told by Superintendent Don Langan that it is acceptable for board members to campaign on their views on the new Response to Intervention program and its new coordinator, but not with school funds. As a paid employee, Langan said that excludes himself.

• The board heard from high school Principal Tim Everson that sports have all started, and new teacher as well as new student orientations are scheduled the first week of September. He said that online student schedules should be up Aug. 24. School for District 361 begins Sept. 8. following Labor Day.