SIDNEY -- The Sidney Board of Education discussed the budget reduction process during the March 31 special meeting.

The board agenda included "Review and approve salary adjustments for classified staff." Superintendent Andrew Farber asked the item be tabled.

"I would propose for now we push that back. We have not yet received formal certification yet. Remember last month I said if we stay on track, where we're at, we'll see about a $200,000 increase in certification. If they change the formula again like they're talking about doing, we'll lose $132,000. Remember, 'A' they don't have any money. They have a $430 million deficit, I think. They can't make decisions that cost a lot of money," he said.

Superintendent Farber acknowledged the process is not easy.

"I want to acknowledge the job that our Admin team does. They have done nothing but work their tales off this school year. They've been a big part of maintaining culture, and the difficult decisions we've had to make," he said.

In another discussion on Classified staff, the Administration is designing a Classified Salary Schedule.

"We're working on a Classified Staff Salary Schedule. We're hoping to put something in front of you that it'll be similar to the teachers. So, if you're a Classified Staff, you can actually see where you're going to be next year, how you're going to start. We want to do a bigger picture also of where we are looking at maintenance, custodial. We're trying to devise a pay scale for everybody," Farber said. 

The board approved classified raises at 2 1/2%.

Four resignations, seven hires

The Sidney School Board also accepted four resignations and seven new hires in the March 31 special meeting.

The board accepted the resignations of Taylor Hagemeyer, Jill Sylvester, Kim Larsen and Tessa Schumacher. The board then approved the hiring of Rachael Blue and Kathy Schade for elementary teaching positions, Trevor Berry Secondary PE, Marissa Borchard Secondary Art, Stacie Bendzel Special Education, Erin Mueller Elementary Counselor and Brant Fullmer Middle School PE.

After the meeting, Farber commended new employees and those seeking new opportunities.

"I think it was a great opportunity to celebrate our individual staff members who have made the decision to leave the district, while at the same time an opportunity to acknowledge the new employees that we're bringing on next year," he said.

 

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