By MaryHelen Swanson

Kids not ready to be "home alone?"

Residents of school aged children in the Rush City district may have an option for before and after school programs if a proposal under consideration comes to fruition.

At the school board meeting, March 15, Jacobson Elementary Principal Melody Tenhoff offered an idea she said could be good for families.

Tenhoff said she talked with Ilene Olson and Valerie Peterson who have an interest in working on some kind of program.

Peterson, who is program director with MN Child Care, understanding that there is a need in the district for school age child care before and after school and on days when school is not in operation on the normal school calendar, has offered a proposal to help create such a program.

The program would provide opportunities for elementary children to participate in informal sports activities, enjoy structured and unstructured play, prepare and eat healthy snacks and express themselves through arts and crafts, as well as get homework support in a safe, age-appropriate environment.

Peterson noted that state statute would not require licensing because it would be offered by the school district.

There must, however, be a set of standards adopted by the school board which guide the day-to-day activities of the program.

Peterson offered her services as a consultant to seek out and write proposals for grants, write program standards, order supplies and equipment, work with building staff to designate space and use of supplies and equipment.

She also would develop job descriptions for staff, develop marketing materials, develop application materials and program information for parents, develop billing/ collection policies and assist in the hiring of staff.

As suggested, the hours of operation for such a program would be 6:30 a.m. - 8 a.m. before school and 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. after school.

Peterson expects a formal contract with the school district before any work would begin.

The school board, on a motion by member Mark Moulton and second by member Gwen Goretsas, unanimously agreed to pursue this idea with a consulting fee not to exceed $1,000.

In other business last week, the board learned from high school principal Mark Saari that due to smaller class sizes coming up in the near future, a reduction in staffing was appropriate. Saari asked to eliminate the combined English/Social Studies position that was created a few years ago and add a licensed reading instructor to help students prepare for the mandated state tests.

The position may be a combination position. The board gave Saari permission to eliminate the current position and add the new reading (or combination) instructor.

Also, the board, in working through Family Center finance issues, agreed to consolidate the program coordinator's position and the clerical position for a potential savings of $10,000 annually. They also approved changes in staff positions. Nancy Moulton will move from the Family Center to elementary school clerical, and at the Family Center, Linda Swanson will assume the combined job position. In all votes associated with the Family Center. board member Moulton abstained.

In other personnel issues, Greg Hills was appointed head football coach and Gary Wendorf will be assistant coach for next fall.

Long-time teachers Al and Linda Tripp offered resignations and they were accepted with regrets. Al Tripp has been a high school English teachers, Linda Tripp an elementary teacher.

The 2007 budget revision was reviewed with business manager Laureen Frost noting that enrollment is down resulting in less in revenue in the general fund. She hoped the district would not lose any more students this year. Still, noted Superintendent Vern Koepp, the district purchased two buses, and 30 computer workstations for teachers. The overall revised budget, he said, has a positive look and the district was able to do some things for the students and staff.