RIPON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT E-NEWSLETTER

School Administrators Suggest Wage Freeze for Themselves
The eight Ripon administrators made a unanimous suggestion to the school board that administrative wages be frozen for the 2009-10 school year. With the District facing the double challenge of budget reductions and the national economic crisis, the administrators suggested that they forego the $22,000 in wage increases that they were eligible for according to state law. The Board typically sets salaries for administrators and support staff in June for the following school year.

School Board Makes $210,000 in Operation Cuts for 2009-10
The Ripon Board of Education approved $210,000 in cuts to the District’s annual operating budget for 2009-10 to close the gap between maintaining the existing level of service and the state-mandated budget restrictions required under the revenue cap law. This elimination of line items from current services in the annual budget is in addition to the $670,000 that was cut in the past two years. The District still needs to find $335,000 to cut from the 2009-10 budget if the April 7 referendum questions do not pass.

Draft Homework Policy Introduced
After 18 months of study, surveying, and analysis, the Board’s Homework Committee introduced a draft for the District’s new Homework Policy & Guidelines at the Board’s February 16 meeting. The Board wants to provide a general framework based on research and best practices to teachers, students, and parents for a clear, consistent, and effective approach to the controversial issue of homework. Action on the proposed policy and guidelines is scheduled for the April 20 meeting.

Recognition for Swift-Acting Staff Member Given by Board
The Ripon Board of Education honored Sue Sorenson at its February 16 meeting for her swift action in helping a student who was choking in the middle school cafeteria at lunch. Ms. Sorenson, an aide at the school, rushed to the scene and took action which dislodged the food that was stuck. Although the student had stopped breathing, Ms. Sorenson’s action allowed him to fully recover. The Board also recognized three high school vocational education teachers—Sue Mokler, Dean Evensen, and Sheri Schmidt—for their coordination of the annual Keeper Store activity that involves elementary and high school students.