By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
Wynford stands to save $50,000 following that Board of Education’s approval Monday of retire/rehire contracts for three members of the staff.
Maintenance Director Don Brooks and bus driver Karen Schafer were given one-year contracts, while Superintendant Steve Mohr received a two-year contract in the cost cutting measure.
Mohr explained the benefit to the district.
“Well basically what happens is those people are rehired at a lower salary. So there’s a reduction in salary, and there is almost always a reduction in their benefits, and that varies from the types of positions. Whether it is a teacher or an administrator, but for the most part it is almost always a significant savings.”
“I think in these tough economic times it’s an opportunity for districts,” Mohr said. “You have to find ways to save money, and this is an opportunity for us to do so.”
Board member Debbi Gifford explained why she has previously been against retire/rehire measures.
“In the past it didn’t appear that retire/rehire was available to everyone; it just wasn’t equitable,” Gifford said.
Mohr revealed an action plan for a new Wynford school building. The plan is heavily based around community involvement outlined a three-phase plan which would be implemented over the next 17 to 29 months.
The first phase would be the selection of special committees to drum up public interest. The second phase would feature the selection of what type of building would be a viable option to community members. The last phase would be the decision of what building to build, and reengage the community as the measure would then go to vote.
Sports rivals will be collaborating in the cafeteria as Bucyrus Food Service Director Lori Pennington will be helping Wynford ease into new food service provider, Sodexo.
Pennington addressed the school board following the approval saying that there will be five daily entrée options; all will include fresh fruits and vegetables. Pennington also noted that students will be able to take part in the Chef in the Classroom, along with Adopt a Farm programs sponsored by Sodexo.
Wynford lost two staff members Monday night when Elementary teacher Sue Holland’s retirement along with Junior High Guidance Councilor Whitney Sheldon’s resignation was approved.
Wynford gained two new teachers with the hiring of Mathew O’Brian as a new high school English teacher, and second grade teacher Sean Weisenauer.
The music department’s April 2014 trip to New York City was approved Monday night. The trip was introduced to the board by music director Mark Heydinger at May’s school board meeting.