Despite three members expressing concerns over a proposal that eliminates two positions in Pupil Services, the Rice Lake School Board approved the second reading of the proposed staffing report — subject to further review by the Finance Committee — on Monday.
School social worker Josh Morey, who at a March meeting encouraged the board to restore the two positions in Pupil Services, shared additional data on recommended ratios of pupils to social workers. He said he recognized the need to make cuts to the budget but asked that they not punish students in need of services to accomplish that goal.
School counselor Erika Spear said the cuts in Pupil Services not only affect those whose contracts are not renewed but it impacts the morale of the remaining staff who are already overworked. She ended her remarks by sharing a letter from another staff member who said the cuts leave them feeling expendable.
Former board member and UW-Eau Claire — Barron County Campus Director Abbey Fischer called the proposed reductions “deeply concerning” and said if approved they will likely have a huge impact on students and the community. She encouraged the board to table action and asked them to engage and collaborate with community groups on how they can help.
“These positions are essential to our students’ well-being and our community’s well-being,” Fischer said.
Board Member Don Cuskey asked if they could add positions later, to which District Administrator Randy Drost replied it could certainly be done as an addendum.
Board Member Steve Bowman said at the last meeting even Pupil Services director Nate Vlcek said he did not know how those remaining could cover all the bases and asked about adjusting benefits of some employees that he called “out of whack” in an effort to save at least one of the positions.
Board Member Dianne Koser wanted the instructors who feel expendable to know they do matter and the board is concerned about their workload. She asked for more information on the district’s plan to handle the shortfall and more details on how the county could work with the district. The administrator said he has reached out, hoping to cost-share a position.
Board Member Phil Henkel asked that they look into how schedules mesh and overlap and to look for possible ways to increase efficiencies. He also asked for suggestions for any other departments where cuts might be made that would hurt the least.
Board Member Miriam Vavra said the cuts scared her, made her nervous and asked to hold off until the district has more of a definite plan in place on how to provide the services of those whose positions are being cut. Board Member Bert Richards said he agreed with her and said he was not ready to make the cuts.
Drost said the board could hold off for another two weeks, but Cuskey favored moving forward and motioned to approve the staffing report subject to further review of the counselor and social worker positions, which passed. The Finance Committee will readdress the proposed cuts at its May 8 meeting.
ScholarshipsPrimary and alternate recipients for the coveted Academic Excellence and Technical Excellence scholarships, awarded annually by the state of Wisconsin, were approved.
The AES is awarded to high school seniors who have the highest grade point average in each public and private high school in the state. Valued at $9,000, recipients must be enrolled on a full-time basis by Sept. 30 at a Wisconsin college (independent, technical, tribal or UW). The scholarship is awarded for $2,250 per year, divided into equal amounts and disbursed each academic term for up to eight semesters or four years.
Primary recipients of the AEC are Ayumi Dennis and Djanko Shuler-Masci. Alternate recipients are Daniel Cluppert, Ben Drost, Madison Gilbert, Elllie Strand and Ayla Zuzek.
The TES is awarded to high school seniors who have the highest demonstrated level of proficiency in technical education subjects and must be used within the Wisconsin Technical College System. Valued at $6,750, scholarships are awarded for $2,250 per year divided into equal amounts and disbursed each academic term for up to six semesters.
Primary recipients of the TES are Brayden Young and Tristen Hays. Alternate recipients are Ava Gargulak, Rebecca Greisen and Samantha Greisen.
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