The Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School Board will be meeting over the next couple of weeks to look over applications and interview candidates after the abrupt resignation of High School Principal Tom Cooper at last week’s meeting.
Tom Cooper, who has been the district principal for the last two years, official last day was July 8 — the same date as the board meeting. No letter of resignation was included in the package, but one was submitted.
At a special board meeting Monday night, Superintendent Kevin Wellen outlined a proposed interview process with the seven board members. Wellen said he has already received eight applications, with more expected to come in. Wellen said he will screen the applicants down to about six candidates to interview.
A first round of interviews will be held July 22 beginning at 1 p.m. Each interview is set at one hour.
The interview team will consist of 4 to 5 administrators, 3 board members and 7 to 9 high school staff including the building secretary, social worker, dean of students, a paraprofessional, Indian Education director and teachers representing a variety of grade levels and departments.
A second round of interviews is set for July 25 starting at 5:30 p.m. The finalists will meet with the entire board and administration teams separately in a round-robin format.
Wellen said he would only need one day to get the contract ready. The board will meet July 26 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the final candidates and select one, and to finalize the contract.
A start date for the new principal would be sometime in August, depending on the chosen candidate.
The board also briefly discussed the Strategic Plan and Transportation Director position that remains open.
A motion was approved to add a Special Education supervisor position to fill the empty Special Education coordinator position.
Board candidates
Four of seven board member seats will be on the ballot during the Nov. 5 General Election.
The filing dates for candidates is July 30 through Aug. 13 at 5 p.m. for the four-year terms.
The seats are currently held by Linda Arts, Tristan Ehlenfeldt, Lori Stein and Vickie White.
Affidavits of Candidacy are available from the school district clerk. The filing fee for this office is $2. A candidate must be an eligible voter, 21 years of age or more on assuming office, a resident of the school district from which the candidate seeks election for 30 days before the general election, and have no other affidavit on file for any other office at the same primary or next ensuing general election.
In other school business, the board:
Accepted resignations from Katie Zumwalt, the JH volleyball coach; Paul Schroeder, the JH football coach; and Lauren Buie-Sumption, a social worker.
Hired Sean Douglas, a high school Social Studies teacher; Codee Brace, a Student Support specialist; and Sandra Lynn Snow, an Ala Carte cashier.
Approved the June 10 board minutes.
Approved and waved the second reading of 36 policies.
Approved first reading of five policies.
Adopted resolution for a long term facilities maintenance 10-year plan.
Approved Dean of Students Thomas McIver’s contract for 2024-26.
Approved District Assessment Coordinator Jackie Bruns contract for 2024-25.
Approved overnight trip for volleyball team to compete at the Wisconsin Dells High School July 24-26.
Approved overnight trip for football players to attend Football Camp at Bemidji State University July 23-25.
Accepted donations of $100 from Lillian Aird to Wolf Pack Pantry; Zachary Tooker for a sounds system equipment rental to Indian Ed powwow; and First National Bank $200 to Community Ed for T-ball shirts.
Discussed creating Transportation Director position.
Approved continuing agreement with the city of Walker for an SRO contract.
Set the mileage and meal reimbursement rates for 2024-25.
Identified Aug. 14 or 21 as dates for the Minnesota School Board Association work session.
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