by Garrick Moritz, editor
The Garretson School Board held their regular session on March 14 at 5:45 p.m. at the school library, and it was another meeting with a large crowd in attendance. Twenty-eight district patrons were present at the meeting.
After the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance and the agenda approval, two patrons were recognized to speak during the public commentary section of the meeting.
First to speak was Oran Sorenson, former legislator, retired teacher, and long-time assistant wrestling coach.
“I had several conversations with Shannon Nordstrom and I’d like to have him present if at all possible before I make my comments,” said Sorenson to Vice President Kari Flanagan. “As acting chair is it possible for you to allow a delay until he arrives?”
Board President Nordstrom was not present at the meeting, and board Vice President Flanagan was leading the meeting. Board member Rachel Hanisch was joined the call via Zoom.
VP Flanagan said that because Nordstrom had been delayed by a late flight, she had no idea when or even if he’d arrive for the meeting tonight. With that in mind, she said that since this was the time set aside for public commentary, he should proceed.
“In truth, none of us really want to be here tonight,” Sorenson said. “But these people believe they must be here to work toward taking their school back.”
“When we were at the State Wrestling Tournament, a well-worded statement went out to all in our district that it was time to heal. Everyone here tonight agrees that it is. But where we disagree is what it’s going to take for that healing. I wanted to pose this to Shannon but if I may, madam vice president, I will ask you. I can tell you three simple things that will begin the healing process."
He continued, “This is tough for me. I want to say to Mr. Johnson that I have enjoyed working with his son on the wrestling team, and that Gabe is a very fine young man.”
“It’s been a tough year this year, and it’s not all about Mr. Long either. For real healing to take place, firstly, I think we need equal discipline for all students involved in the incident at that Baltic track meet last year, and to date, that hasn’t happened yet. Then, we need the resignation of one member of the school board and one member of the administration. Those three things are what I feel we need. And I ask everyone who’s here who feels the same way to please stand.”
Nearly everyone in attendance stood.
“Shannon and I talked for quite a while yesterday,” Sorenson said. “I respect Shannon, but we strongly disagree on some things. We both agree where it’s sad when students boo the Superintendent. Shannon is of the opinion that it’s the kids who have the problem, but I disagree, and say that the kids booing the superintendent is the result of the problem."
Students had booed Superintendent Johnson at a ball game, and made derogatory comments toward him in the hallway during the special meeting last month as he and his lawyer transitioned between the library and the administrative offices.
“What we’re asking tonight is that the board not extend Administration contracts for two full years at this time. Just because this has been customary in the past, why tie the hands of the new school board coming on in the summer. Oddly enough, it’s because of mistakes made by people in this room at the last opt-out vote, that results had to be thrown out. In closing, please consider what we are asking of you tonight.”
Post-meeting, Sorenson also expressed to the Gazette outrage on behalf of Supt. Johnson and his family, stating that a brick had been thrown at their family home and that Mr. Johnson had to place security cameras on his property to ward off further vandalism. He wanted to make clear that he felt that kind of behavior is unacceptable.
New school board member-elect Tana Clark then spoke to the board.
“My name is Tana Clark and I appreciate you allowing me to speak here this evening,” she said. “I also want to thank you for serving on our school board.”
“Tonight, you will be discussing the extension of Administration contracts for the school year of '23-'24. If I understand correctly, our administrative positions already have contracts in place for this coming school year, '22-'23. And we are hoping, in a couple of months, our teachers and other supporting staff will also have contracts secured for the '22-'23 school year.
“What you are planning to discuss and vote on tonight is extending just the administrative contracts for the following year and basically giving those administrative positions a two-year contract, instead of just a one-year contract like all other positions in our school. Based on the information given last spring before the opt-out vote, if another opt-out vote fails, our district will need to make some significant budget reductions that would most likely involve staff positions.
"Obviously, everyone wants to preserve as many of our teaching, administrative, clerical and custodial positions and school programs as possible, but the reality is cuts will need to be made if another opt-out does not pass. As far as I am aware, with the exception of the administration positions, all other contracts are one-year contracts. Therefore, I am requesting that the board not extend the administration contracts past this school year of '22-'23. I feel we need the flexibility to adjust positions and contracts as needed, based on our financial situation, if an opt-out does not pass, and we need positions available for those reductions, not just the positions that are one-year contracts. Thank you for your time.”
After those comments, the regular meeting began.
During the presentation of new turf options for the track and field repairs, Sorenson whispered to other constituents that he was going to go outside and wait to hopefully speak with Shannon Nordstrom as he arrived. Most others followed, though a few stayed in the meeting.
One patron, as he exited the library, loudly declared toward his fellows, “So, are we going to get Johnson fired or not?!”
Supt. Johnson, looked both visibly saddened and angered by this statement.
There was lots more that occurred during this meeting, both in discussion about the turf replacement at the sports complex and a debate around keeping the 1:30 dismissal on Wednesdays in practice. We’ll continue with those details in our story next week.
Meanwhile, Board president Nordstrom did arrive at the meeting at 7:46 p.m., just as the final administrative reports were concluding.
When the board came out of executive session later that night, Rachel Hanisch made a motion that was seconded by Kari Flanagan. The Motion was to extend the administrative contracts of Teresa Hulscher and Guy Johnson by one year and to renew the contracts of Matt Schrank and Jacob Schweitzer, with the specific terms to be determined at a later time. Those voting for the motion were Shannon Nordstrom, Kari Flanagan and Rachel Hanisch. Ryan Longhenry voted against the motion.
Jodi Linneweber abstained from the vote.
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