Board reviews, OKs long-range plan

The community has spoken, and now it's up to the Brainerd School Board to implement the district's long-range plan.

The school board Monday reviewed and approved the district's long-range plan.

The long-range planning committee, headed by board member Ruth Nelson, recently held four community meetings to gather input on priorities or goals of the district.

The board will now prioritize the district's goals and create teams to implement the goals at its June school board retreat.

The goals include analyze existing and future curriculum needs, based on relevance, rigor, results and relationships; increase student achievement through effective use of time; provide learners with the awareness of other cultures and the skills to compete in a global economy; create the most ideal, efficient and cost-effective physical learning environment; provide technology to meet the needs of students, staff and public; increase communication with all stakeholders; provide equal access and opportunity to all early learners; provide appropriate growth opportunities for district staff; provide predictable and sufficient support for a world-class school district; and provide a four-year financial projection with a positive fund balance.

In other board action, the board affirmed the purchase agreement between the school district and Artspace Inc. for Franklin Arts Center.

Amended the 2006-07 school calendar to 170 student days, reducing the student school year by one day, to reflect the day the district canceled school on March 2 due to a snowstorm.

Authorized renewal of its membership for 2007-08 with the Minnesota State High School League.

Approved its 2007-09 and 2009-11 transportation contract with Reichert Bus Service.

Approved no change in the 2007-08 health insurance premiums.

Heard a presentation on the district's school nurse program by school nurses Mary Lastovich and Linda Hamilton.

Accepted the following certified resignations: Laurie Sweeney, with revised retirement date of Sept. 10; Kara Erickson, elementary teacher on leave at the end of the school year; Sharon Hurley, elementary teacher on leave effective June 1; Craig Karnitz, physical education teacher on leave, effective at the end of the school year; Meghan Kazmierczak, Forestview teacher, effective at the end of the school year; Judy Stevens, school psychologist, revised retirement date to May 31; and Mary Wied, German/English teacher on leave, effective June 15.

Approved the following new certified employees: Tracy Beggs, early childhood teacher for additional 40 days; Robyn Hummer, special education teacher; Melissa Lund, eighth-grade English teacher; Cory Olson, career/tech ed teacher; Krista Rauen, seventh-grade English teacher; Michael Parrish, sixth-grade math teacher; and Beth Luwandi Nelson, high school English teacher.

JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.