Amy J.

Thursday, November 18, 1999

Amy J. Baskin, chairperson of the Austin Board of Education, and Al Eckmann, director of management services, led the cheers of congratulations Wednesday night.

Each had a specific group of citizens to single out for recognition for a "job well done."

Baskin expressed the school board’s appreciation to KIDS committee members and chairpersons for leading the successful levy override referendum effort.

The group included chairpersons Kaye Schultz, Peggy Benzkofer, Margene Gunderson, Chris McArdle-Rojo, Gail Dennison, John O’Rourke, Gordy Harder and Jerry McCarthy.

Then, Eckmann singled out what he called the district’s "unsung heroes."

He expressed the district’s appreciation to school bus drivers who have reached milestones in their careers.

The group included Jerry Dimit, 39 years; Roger Stahl, 37 years; James Nystrom, 27 years; Richard Hingeveld, 27 years; Paul Behn, 27 years; Gary Grant, 26 years; Henry Orth, 23 years; William Myers, 21 years; Larry Mitchell, 20 years.

The nine bus drivers have a combined total of 247 years of negotiating bus routes for the Austin Public Schools.

In other action Wednesday night, the school board:

– Approved requests for leaves of absence from Jody Ingalls, an Austin High School English teacher, and Jennifer Dale, a music teacher at Ellis Middle School; a resignation from Carol Clark, School To Work Tech Prep program coordinator and vocational director at AHS; and a contract for Carrie Hanko, food service helper at Ellis Middle School; a recall to educational assistant position for Bonnie Anderley at the Bank School; and resignations from Linda Harmon, custodian, AHS, for purposes of retirement; Judy Crnkovic, food service helper, EMS, for purposes of retirement, and Jill Dvorak, educational assistant, Bank School, for personal reasons.

– Heard Candace F. Raskin, director of educational services, report on graduation standards site visit scheduled Dec. 6; results of October 20 in-service training for teachers; and recently concluded writing festival.

– Heard Brenda Saxton, Banfield Elementary School principal, and chairperson of a committee reviewing truancy procedures. Saxton presented a draft proposal of the new truancy policy, which would be implemented at the elementary school level if adopted. The board accepted Saxton’s draft proposal and referred it to the policy committee for study and a recommendation.

– Heard Dennis Thorsen, director of student support services, describe how Austin Public Schools is one of 10 districts to choose a self-monitoring special education review process for the Department of Children Families and Learning.

– Approved the recommendation of Dr. James A. Hess (Ed.D.), superintendent of schools, to grant a high school diploma for Thaddeus A. Anderson, an honorably discharged veteran of World War II. Anderson qualifies for the diploma after meeting the requirements set forth by the Department of Children, Families and Learning and Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

– Acknowledged comments from Amy J. Baskin, chairperson of the school board, and superintendent Hess, praising the recently Veterans Day program at Austin High School, where more WWII veterans received high school diplomas. Julia A. Espe, AHS principal, echoed their comments, and credited Phil Burkhart for his efforts in planning the events.

– Approved a request from Julia A. Espe, AHS principal, for Spanish instructor Gail Eckles for a June 2000 trip to Spain for interested students.

– Noted the scheduling of a Truth In Taxation hearing 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 1, at Ellis Middle School in Commons area.

– Heard superintendent Hess praise efforts of Austin Education Association for its observance of American Education Week.