School board approves maintaining three principal positions

Five instructors in the Summerland district have indicated they will participate in the early retirement incentive program.

The announcement was made Monday, in Ewing, during a special meeting, which lasted approximately 52 minutes.

Superintendent Dale Martin announced last week he would submit a letter of resignation to take the incentive. Clearwater instructor Bonnie Wies and Ewing educators Ed Johnson, Jan Miller and Barb Roland will also retire at the end of the school year.

Martin said he expected the teachers to submit formal letters of resignation to the board.

Per district policy, 12 teachers may apply for early retirement.

Administrative staffing discussion for the 2021-22 school year led to the passage of a motion to maintain three principals for the next school year, with the understanding a reduction in force will be necessary in the 2022-23 school year.

"With trying to replace a superintendent, along with COVID and the possibility of still being in two buildings, it makes sense to me to stay at three the second year of operation," Nordby said.

Board member Nate Schwager said it is important to remember this is a one-year deal.

Candice Hoke said it's possible the principal positions should be the final cuts.

"I would rather build toward success than do the wrong thing," she said.

Board members agreed to hire a firm to aide the search for a superintendent.

Martin said 27 superintendent positions are currently available in Nebraska.

Negotiation committee members Marty Kerkman, Schwager and Nordby will contact and meet with potential search firms and make a recommendation to the board.

Per the motion, the board agreed to set a $10,000 limit to hire a firm.

A detailed article of meeting coverage will appear online and in next week's edition.