School Board Seeks Candidate, Jill Gunderson Served Six Years

By Mary Ann Inman, REPORTER

The Clinton Community District School Board met at the Clinton High School on Monday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m. Board Members present were: Gary Gilbank, Jill Gunderson, Ken Luety, Melissa Manthei, Evelyn Propp, and Tom Howard. Dustin Esselman was absent. Jim Brewer, Business Manager Dan McCrea, Laura Lynd, Nicole Erickson, Julie Cornelius, Jeff Spewak, Sally Barrington, Matt Huettl, Tim Thieding, and building principals were present. Other educators and citizens also attended.

After regular opening procedures, President Ken Luety presented the Employee of the Month Certificate to Crossing Guard Cindy Hoekman. Luety also noted Sally Barrington’s planned retirement, marking 30 years of service as well as Amy Phelps.

Hires included: CES Para educator Karli Wagner and CMS Para educator Limited Term Karli Wagner. CES Para educator Kelley Denu’s resignation was accepted.

Tim Thieding’s Robotics class demonstrated a manufacturing palletizing project. Proposed course changes were approved as presented. CMS Principal Ben Simmons reviewed the eighth grade trip to D.C. with a planned departure date of Oct. 17. The Board approved the trip. Policy first Reading was reviewed.

Administrator Brewer presented details about the Trap Clubs. The nearest one is at Isaac Walton in Beloit. Orfordville School participants could join their league as an option. Starting competitions would cost the district nothing. Fundraising would be required to build an endowment. The cost for ammunition and clay is about $15 weekly. Brewer’s son Jason was actively involved in the past. He asked for permission to see if there is student interest.

McCrea explained an error in his estimate because he used Clinton Township’s tax rate, which is less than 100% leading to $147,134 offset. The mil rate is $10.80 adjusted. Average staff increases figured in are one point five percent and insurance allowances are calculated at eight percent. Jim Brewer talked about Conference interest for School Boards and their Administration Jan. 18 – 21. He handed out surveys to the Board to fill out before the planned retreat to be held Dec 14. Brewer suggest Board Member Chairs be identified so at the Board meetings the Chair could present discussion and recommendations. Tom Howard thought if a Chair was absent it could be a problem. Further consideration is needed.

Cabinet and Director Reports were routine. Jeff Spawik showed graphs identifying major, minor and tech offenses. Tech problems persist. An example is if a student refuses to put his/her phone away.

Jill Gunderson announced she will not run on the spring ballot after serving six years on the Board and being actively involved in the District for 20 years. She also invited everyone to attend the Kiwanis luncheon and Jazz Band performance on Dec. 20 at Copper Falls at noon.

Next regular meeting: Monday, Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m. at CHS, Room 311.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.