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Dan Switzer and Ione Boor, members of the Northland Community Schools Board relayed information gained through reference checks on the final two superintendent candidates, Thursday during the regular Board of Education meeting in Remer.

Switzer checked with references provided by candidate Dr. Ron Bratlie, who is currently serving as Northland's interim superintendent. Switzer said in his conversations with Dr. Bratlie's references, there was no negativity spoken. References praised Dr. Bratlie's strong finance background.

Boor interviewed references provided by Ronald Parent, the second finalist. Boor said she also received no negative comments about Parent's abilities. His references said he had the ability to set a budget and keep to it.

The board tentatively set final interview dates for both candidates for Thursday, March 3, pending notification of the candidates. If the candidates are unable to attend, Tuesday, March 1, was set as the alternate date.[[In-content Ad]]

Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA), the organization working with the board in the superintendent search, supplied board members with a list of potential questions to be asked to finalists. Switzer said, he had been advised that residents in ISD #118, who have questions for the candidates, will not be allowed to directly ask the candidates during their interview. However, questions may be submitted to the central office prior to the interviews. Questions will then be distributed to all board members before the interview session.

Longville School

property

At the Feb. 3rd Building and Grounds Committee meeting, committee members decided to give recommendation to the board, asking for proposals from private and public parties who are interested in obtaining the property. Thursday, Dr. Bratlie provided the board with a draft copy of the request for proposals. The Building and Grounds Committee will meet prior to the April School Board Meeting, when they will open all sealed proposals, then give their recommendations at the board meeting on April 21.

Principal's report

Northland Principal, Joe Akre, asked the board to allow administrators to determine when a study period is needed for a student. Akre voiced his concerns that some students are taking advantage of a study period for reasons not related to studying. Akre said he feels the students would be better served with instruction in a classroom. The board approved Akre's request.

Personnel

Roxanne Lathrop, an educator with the district for 15 years, requested an early retirement, with the contractual retirement benefits package, effective May 31, 2011. Dr. Bratlie advised the board of district policy, which states requests for retirement are to be made before Jan. 15. He recommended the board approve the request with a waiver upon approval that the request received after the policy date, will not set a precedence. The board approved Lathrop's request, with regrets.

In other personnel issues, the board:

•Approved hiring Linda Knox as a special education paraprofessional, effective Feb. 2, 2011 through June 15, 2011.

•Accepted with regrets, a resignation from Donna Wilkinson, effective the end of the school year. Wilkinson has been with the district over 17 years.

•Hired Ben Kinser as the junior high baseball coach.

The next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m., on Thursday, March 17. The board will meet in a work session prior to the meeting, for the purpose of reviewing staffing and program needs for the 2011-2012 school year. The work session will begin at 5:30.

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