PR-B district reorganizes clerical structure

The Pine River-Backus School Board made some changes to its clerical structure, Monday night, including eliminating the district office's administrative assistant position, effective June 30.

Brenda Hamilton started as a part-time employee with the district in 1999 and became full time in 2004. She was not part of the Local 284 clerical union.

The elimination of her position is part of a clerical reorganization that will occur when the new district office is built.

Additional hours will be posted for existing clerical staff - members of Local 284 - to apply for. If the positions are not filled internally, posting will be expanded.

Two opportunities exist for additional clerical hours: one opportunity adding between 352-890 hours annually; and the other between 128-538 hours annually.

Overall the district will see a decrease of 990 clerical hours annually, roughly half of a full-time position.

With the reduction of Hamilton's position, there are five remaining clerical workers: Rhoda Swanson, Julie Griffith, Rita Sepin, Barb Waryas and Chelsea Eveland.

Superintendent Cathy Bettino explained that reducing Hamilton's position was a difficult choice to make, but by consolidating and redistributing clerical duties there will be savings to the district.

"I'd like to thank Brenda Hamilton for her work over the years; she's been much more than an employee to me," Bettino said. "I'm thankful for her insight, guidance and friendship that she has shared over the years."

"She's been very good and very involved. I hate to see her go," added Board Member Jim Coffland.

Board approves revised budget

The Pine River-Backus School Board approved the revised 2009-10 budget, Monday night, including deficit spending of $75,741.

Overall the district's revenues are $11,457,631 and the expenses are approximately $11,533,372.

Youth can have free breakfast,

lunch at school during August

The board also approved a summer meal plan offering free breakfast and lunch for anyone 18 years or younger from Aug. 2-20. Breakfast will be served from 8-9 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the school. The public can use the north commons door No. 17. The food service fund balance will cover the additional costs of the program.

Birr is employee of month

Substitute bus driver Shawn Birr was recognized as the May employee of the month at PR-B Schools. Birr began substitute driving in 2008. "He seems to go the extra mile," said Board Chair Garny Gaffey. Gaffey highlighted Birr's willingness to help on the sidelines during athletic activities and his volunteering as an advisor on a community education sledding trip. "He is a number one PR-B fan; he has a knack for showing support for school and community," Gaffey added.

District office construction planned

Construction of the new PR-B district office is likely to begin in June. The architect for the project has submitted information to the state-permitting agency. The project - costing around $365,000 - is approximately 3,400 square feet including four offices, a reception area, conference room, one bathroom, a copy center and room for custodial. Also, the project will include both a handicapped accessible bathroom and a secured entrance for the elementary. The completion date for the project should be in late August or early September.

Also in board matters:

The board approved the following:

A childcare leave of absence for elementary teacher Stephanie Aker from Aug. 30 to Oct. 1.

Hiring Barb Puleo as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher effective with the 2010-11 school year.

Approved hiring Kyle Bergem as a high school business teacher effective with the 2010-11 school year.

Accept resignation of bus driver Jerry Campbell effective May 28 and authorize replacement.

Accept the retirement of high school teacher Bob Nelson effective Nov. 19, 2010.

Approve hiring Allison Thomas as American Sign Language Interpreter effective with the 2010-11 school year.

Accept the resignation of Vicki Holden, food services, effective at the end of the 2009-10 school year and authorize replacement.