Board makes final budget decision

The board cut approximately $741,812, which covered items listed in 25 packages.

Two items dropped below the already tentatively-established reduction line were a combination math/alternative school instructor position held by Sarah Riedemann and a middle school music and elementary band teacher package taught by Denise Reit. Discussion to move a $103,593 package tied to full-time benefits for 15 teacher associates and library associates below the reduction line fell short of approval, with a 2-3 vote by the board.

Board president David Schlichtemeier initiated the 2009-10 budget-cutting discussion and public comment section of the meeting by stating, "We have a dilemma. We don't have enough money." He also noted how the community had spoken "loud and clear since Tuesday," and that it had been heard.

Teacher Larry Untiet, who spoke on behalf of activity and athletic sponsors in the district, was among the 10 people who advocated for keeping Johnson's position a "stand-alone position." Deeming the district's activities director the "activity engine at Spencer High School," Untiet also noted how more activities are offered at SHS than other schools its size, and that the district had attempted to combine his position with another twice before and it had not worked.

"And, it will not work now," Untiet said.

Throughout the public's comments, Johnson was referred to as "an advocate and an ambassador for Spencer activities," a "perfect fit" for the community, a "problem solver," an "encourager," and "a quality individual" whose efforts often go unnoticed by members of the general public.

In all, 28 individuals addressed the board Thursday night. The last to issue comments was a foreign exchange student from Japan who's only been in Spencer for the last two weeks. She advocated for music. SHS students Peter Buchan, Lindsey Kabrick, Victoria Foerster, Ethan Hartkemeyer and Emily Jones were among those to express their support for the district's music department staying intact.

It was noted that the district went to a six-day music rotation before Superintendent Greg Ebeling was hired five years ago, and that it hadn't been touched since.

Reit stood at the podium and identified herself as the "one moved below the line" with the reduction of the music instructor and elementary band package, which covers a half-time position to teach music as an exploratory class in the middle school and a half-time position of an elementary band instructor.

SHS band instructor Kurt Schwarck also advocated to keep the district's music department intact and asked the board to slow down.

"Because once it's gone, I don't know if it will ever come back," Schwarck warned.

Former board president Ross Brockshus related with board members, noting how hard their job at hand was.

"No decision you're going to make tonight is going to be good," he said, then encouraging everybody in the district to remain positive. Brockshus concluded his comments by telling board members that he would "respect" and "support" their decision, whatever it was.

Del Brockshus, his father, also addressed the board. The former Spencer school board member and 16-year Clay County Board of Supervisor told them something was amiss.

"A few years ago, the board of education saw fit to provide a platform for every special interest group in the district, and it was used to create controversy and division, but did little more than give those vocal few their moment of importance. Today, it seems we have a 'committee of education,' which you established, and you're being pushed and pulled by people who have an emotional agenda. I know this to be true by seeing the items you're considering being moved above or below the line depending on the emotional pressure you've received after each meeting."

"If you gut this administration," he continued, "you'll surely deserve the mediocre school system you'll receive, and the students will be the ultimate losers, and it will be a tragedy. You know, there were people who didn't like Jerry Roberts or Joe Graff or Glen Lohman. There are people who don't like Superintendent Ebeling, and there are people who won't like the next one either. But I'd like to believe that all have and are doing their job to the best of their ability. You may not like the individual -- that's your choice -- but I believe you should respect the position. And if I am to believe what I heard happened here the other day (Tuesday), then I am ashamed for those who participated and I'm embarrassed for this community."

Fellow Spencer business owner Dave Hultgren encouraged board members to keep the "big picture" in mind. As he advocated for Johnson's position, Hultgren told those in attendance if they didn't support the district's administration, they'd lose it.

As he then joked, "I'm a lot safer at SMU and increasing your electrical rates," Hultgren concluded his comments by stating, "I think you need to support your administration. And I will support your back."

Negotiations with certified and support staff were mentioned a handful of times by board members, the superintendent and community members alike. While board member Marti Bomgaars asked if holidays could be taken from the full-time teacher associates, she was informed that this would be a bargaining matter and that it could be placed on the negotiation table as a suggestion.

In follow-up comments made to the board, a part-time teacher associate in the district offered to take a cut in pay.

"I'd give it up for the kids," she told board members.

Judy McLaury, an Avera employee, told the board how all Avera employee wages and benefits were cut this week, and asked if something similar could be worked out within the district, possibly during negotiations.

"I understand that the teachers have a union, but I work for a large facility, too. This week their decision is to cut all of our wages by 4.75 percent and the CEO's 6 percent, along with decreasing some of our benefits. So, taking some of the benefits away, you're still going to have the same programs, everybody wins and you don't sit there and look at the person beside you and say, 'Is it going to be your job cut?' You don't have to decide that; everyone takes a cut."

The board accepted the packages as listed for reduction and directed Ebeling to proceed with reduction notices.

* In other action, the board unanimously approved the early retirement requests made by Sherry Clark, Patricia Quinn, Steve Steele, Molly Scott and Sheryl Patten, as well as early separation benefits for Kathy Elliott, if she chooses to leave the district's employ. The benefits approved total $121,466. Board member Barb Van Wyk noted her appreciation for the contributions each has made within the district.

"To say they'll be missed is a huge understatement," Van Wyk said.