Hustisford School Board reduces administrator contract

By Pat Hahn for the Daily Times
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 12:45 PM CDT

As a step toward reducing expenses by restructuring the Hustisford School District's administrative team, the board of education Monday night approved reduced contracts for District Administrator Ed Van Ravenstein for 2007-2009.

The contracts call for Van Ravenstein to have an 80 percent contract for the 2007-2008 school year and a 75 percent contract for 2008-2009.

Van Ravenstein told the board part of the reason for the change is the net savings to the district. “Eventually I plan to retire, and this is a good time for the district to take a step forward in that direction,” he said.

Van Ravenstein will be paid $92,500 for 2007-2008, the same as for 2006-2007. For 2008-2009 he will receive $90,000. His contract calls for 177 actual working days the first contract year and 165 days the second year.

The district now has a full-time administrator and two full-time principals. The board previously has discussed the potential benefits of consolidating administrative staff as part of the district's strategic planning. According to Van Ravenstein, his reduced contract will save the district an estimated $24,000 for 2007-2008 and $31,211 for 2008-2009, for a total savings of $55,211 over the two years, with much of the savings coming from fringe benefits.

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Board President David Strysick said the board feels comfortable with the change. “(Van Ravenstein) knows our system, he knows our personnel, and we have two fine principals. The board feels it would like to move in that direction as part of its strategic planning.”

The board hired Glen Falkenthal as a salaried part-time custodian for athletic event site preparation, a newly created position. Falkenthal will be paid $7,500 annually to prepare the gymnasium and athletic fields for all middle and high school competitions.

A policy outlining the qualifications and responsibilities of the new position received its first reading. The policy will be up for approval at the board's September meeting.

Fees for using the school's fitness center also prompted discussion. Teachers currently use the center free of charge, based on a decision made by former District Administrator Bob Carlson at the time the center opened. “That's past practice, and our attorney says we can't unilaterally change it without it being a grievable issue,” Strysick said.

Strysick said some have asked that school alumni who are still enrolled in college also be allowed to use the center free of charge.

When board member Mike Kadinger asked whether alumni who do not attend college would receive the same benefit, he was told they still would be required to pay the usual fees.

“I don't think it's right that some would have to pay while others get to use the center for free,” Kadinger maintained.

No action was taken, and the issue will again appear on the board's September agenda.

In other action, the board:

- Accepted the resignation of math teacher Tom Cassidy upon payment of $1,000 liquidated damages as called for in the teacher's contract.

- OK'd contracts for several co-/extracurricular positions including assistant volleyball coach Tiffany Knueppel, pep band director Jennifer Rodger, solo/ensemble instructor Jennifer Rodger, and fall and winter cheerleading/dance coach Lisa Swan.

- Approved a special education busing contract with Schultz Bus Service for transporting five special needs students to out-of-district schools. Transportation to Lomira will cost $76.80 per day and to Horicon, Beaver Dam and Waupun, $108.80 per day. Costs are significantly less than what previous carrier Johnson Bus Company proposed. “We're pleased all our busing is now handled locally with Schultz Bus Service,” Van Ravenstein said.

- Renewed a contract with Aurora Medical Center, Hartford, for 96 hours plus a potential 10 additional hours of school nurse services for the upcoming school year. Cost will be $37.85 per hour, 3 percent more than last year.

- Learned the annual Athletic Booster Club golf outing will be Sept. 29 at Rock River Hills, Horicon. Both adults and high school students are encouraged to participate.

- Reminded residents that pets are not allowed on school grounds during athletic competitions.