At a special meeting of the R-P School Board, held Tuesday, January 22, the list of candidates for new superintendent were narrowed to five, plus two alternates. A significant number of applications were received for the position that’s been held by Chuck Ehler since July 2007.
The board has reviewed the applications and background information of the candidates and board directors shared their lists of candidates to interview. Choices were noted based on experiences in education, personnel and financial management, contract negotiations, and other such fields.
Public interviews are slated to be held Thursday, January 31 and Friday, February 1 in the school Forum Room. The proposed schedule was 8-10 a.m., 10:30-12:30 p.m., and 1:30-3:30 p.m. for both days, however the board agreed to allow Administrative Assistant Laura Hahn some flexibility, if needed. Interviews for out of the area candidates may be conducted via Skype, but it was noted it was preferred in person. “We can be flexible; can make it work,” said Ehler.
Should the Forum Room be filled to capacity, the interviews will be relocated to the auditorium. “We would have to scramble; would have to be accommodating,” noted Principal Jake Timm. While staff members who wanted to be a part of the interview process may not be able to be present for all interviews, Timm insisted that staff groups will be represented on the interview committee.
A list of potential questions to be asked of reference contacts, suggested by the Minnesota School Board Association, was narrowed from eight questions to four. All parties will be asked the same questions, but may be asked to clarify a response or provide more detail. In the interviews themselves, the board has approved 23 questions which will be asked by members of the interview committee.
It was noted that the board should be careful not to make comments regarding any of the candidates or discuss the process with the public. Board response to comments from the public was also addressed.
In other news, the board unanimously approved a proposed cost-sharing to conduct a Minnesota Department of Transportation speed study for the Highway 43 corridor at the area of Pine Meadows Lane. Since completion of the new school in 2017, the district has moved crossing lights to the intersection and completed a sidewalk project from the area to the school. The speed on Highway 43 reduces from 45 to 35 miles per hour just prior to the intersection. A City of Rushford request to possibly reduce the speed further was met with MnDOT policy dictating a speed study by conducted first.
City Engineer Bolton & Menk estimated the cost of the study to not exceed $7,000. The city and the school would split the cost. The possibility does exist for the study to be conducted, but MnDOT to conclude there is no need to reduce speed.
“It seems like a good idea to me,” noted Board Chairman John Linder, “It takes one accident to make this all look pretty stupid. We’re at the state’s mercy.”
Consideration of a Department of Natural Resources Trail grant was also discussed. The purpose of the grant would be to create an asphalt trail running behind homes on Eiken Drive, through ball field access, to school parking and sidewalks. The trail would be maintained by the City of Rushford. Construction would require an easement be provided to the city.
The preliminary plan puts the total project cost at $260,000. The DNR grant, if awarded, would provide $150,000. The school and city would then be responsible for the remaining $110,000, splitting the cost at $55,000 apiece. “It seems high,” stated Linder. “The grant could be very helpful.”
Ehler noted the concern on the $55,000 school district cost is that it would be a capital expense. “We still have a practice field on docket, at $6,500, and $30,000 worth of improvements on the track area.”
“It is a chunk of money,” added Prinsen, who also questioned whether or not the district would be on the hook for the funds if the grant was not awarded. The district is not committing any funds by applying for the grant.
“It seems to make sense,” said Linder. “If we’re going to do it, it makes sense to do it now, rather than later. It won’t get any cheaper.”
“My fear is, if the grant doesn’t happen, it will stay in limbo for a long time,” added Ehler. “We bit the bullet on Pine Meadows Lane and did not have help from the city on that project. It was for the safety of our students.” The board approved the grant application unanimously.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, January 28, at 5:30 p.m., in the Forum Room. The public is encouraged to attend.
