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Action Monday could save $450,000, reduce teaching staff
A proposal to trim about $450,000 in costs, including reductions in teaching staff, will be considered this week by Ely School Board members.
On Monday, the board will consider a plan advanced by superintendent Anne Oelke and endorsed April 7 by the board’s budget and finance committee.
The list looks much like a proposal first floated in late-March, with some adjustments.
Washington Elementary School will have fewer teachers next fall, including just one teacher for a 24-member kindergarten class and reducing both the 28-member third grade and 34-member fourth grade to a single section, with a “floating” teacher working in both grades in core math and English subject areas.
Both the middle school and high school will also see reductions in teaching staff as well.
After sparing the teaching staff from significant reductions a year ago, Oelke and board members say they don’t have that luxury this time around, with the district staring at a budget deficit of nearly $460,000 and school enrollment continuing to decline.
“I really feel we have to do something right now,” said Oelke. “We can’t say we’re not going to do some of these cuts and deficit spend again. We’re going to get into trouble. We’re living beyond our means right now.”
The proposal comes despite about $250,000 in spending cuts and revenue enhancements made a year ago, as well as voter approval of a $350,000 per year levy last fall.
Board member Tom Omerza said the budget woes would have been even more severe were it not for the levy approved by voters. He added the district must take steps to avoid further deficits and the budget strife that occurred nearly two decades ago - when Ely district reserves plunged into negative balance and raised the threat of statutory operating debt.
“I don’t think we can (delay the proposed reductions) and sit here a year or 11 months from now and hopefully figure it out,” said Omerza. “If we don’t address some of it and keep moving it out, we’re in a situation we were 18 years ago.”
Board chair Rochelle Sjoberg, who joins Omerza and Jen Westlund on the bud and donating to Ely events and organizations, including the Ely Marathon and Ely Community Resources. According to the individual who nominated them for the award, she has never heard them turn down an opportunity to support their community.”
Sebesta added, “Their story began in 2007 when a silly conversation turned into an inspiration for their business. They began producing a delicious and nutritious delight using a wood-fired cook stove on their apprentice farm. Their product made its debut at the Ely Farmers Market, then they opened a storefront. They outgrew that location, so they moved and renovated the building located on the corner of Sheridan Street and Fourth Avenue.”
Dunn, a staff member at the Ely Public Library, won the Excellence in Customer Service Award.
“Our recipient puts 110 percent into everything she does,” said Sebesta. “Whether helping children find books, reading stories at storytime, or even running a fun program for all ages, she displays an excellent example of what an A+ employee should be.”
Sebesta noted that business owners know the importance of customer service and the impact they have on customer loyalty.
“This year’s recipient goes above and beyond every day,” said Sebesta. “She is cheerful, kind, and considerate to each and every person that she encounters. She treats every customer like they are one of a kind and strives to meet their needs to the best of her abilities. She provides each customer with a positive experience from the moment they walk through the door and greets many customers by name.”
The Chamber’s Tanner Spicer announced the winners of the Good Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award, adding “One of the most difficult things is selecting just one person, so we picked three.”
The three sisters were a natural for the award, Spicer said, pointing their time supporting entities including the Ely Area Food Shelf, Ruby’s Pantry, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and Carefree Living.
“These three ladies were nominated for their unwavering commitment to service and making the world a better place,” said Spicer. “These three women continuously give their time, energy, and love to their community without ever seeking recognition, and their impact is felt in many areas of life in Ely. Each woman is a dynamo, but put them together, and they are a powerhouse for good.”
The last award was the Jackpine Bob Cary Community Spirit Award, which goes to an individual or group that promotes Ely. It’s named for the late Bob Cary, a longtime editor and columnist for the Ely Echo.
Lah and NLAA were honored for work in putting on a number of programs ranging from Ely’s Got Talent and Broadway in the Boundary Waters to the Great Nordic Shakespeare Festival and performances by Reflections Dance Company.
“This year’s award goes to both an individual and organization,” said Spicer. “It won’t take long to recognize the who and why. The organization is dynamic and growing and its programs draw visitors from locations across Minnesota, the Midwest, and beyond. Of course, these programs have a hardworking and creative soul behind them.”
