District 197 Chalk Talk: Interim Appointed, Ad Contract Delayed

Former Stillwater Interim Superintendent was unanimously appointed to the interim position leading District 197. His contract runs through June 30, 2012. Communications Director Susan Brott said that an earnest search for a permanent superintendent would begin in December.

Nelson is scheduled to start work Tuesday morning. The position has been vacant since July 14, former Superintendent Jay Haugen's official last day before leaving for the Farmington Area School District.

• The board approved borrowing $14 million in general obligation aid anticipation certificates due to state aid payment shifts and changes in property tax payments. “It has significantly decreased our cash flow,” said Brian Schultz, assistant director of business services.  (Editor’s Note: Check Patch Wednesday for more information about how the state budget deal has affected District 197).

• A bid was approved for upgrading wireless networks at Henry Sibley High School and Friendly Hills Middle School.

• Approval of a contract to in District 197 schools was tabled. School Media Inc. representatives were on-hand to answer a number of questions about the contract language. Board member Pat Barnum provided a positive report she gathered from the Becker School District about their contract with School Media. However, a few items requested by the board require a legal review. Board members expressed disquiet about the contract’s non-compete clause in particular, and the length of advertiser’s contracts in the schools.

• A resolution was adopted to call a general election for the four terms on the board that are up for this November. Ballot language for the referendum was also officially adopted.

Check back with Patch for more information on these school board actions.