School brings back 2 teachers

After a rough year, the Continental School Governing Board has approved a proposed budget and voted to bring back two teachers who were laid off earlier this year due to the economy.

Kathy Ward will be hired to teach 5th grade and Sharon Ickes, a former part-time principal, will now take on the position full time.

Superintendant Jim Nelson said the proposed $4.2 million budget — slightly higher than last year’s — will allow for the hiring of a principal, which he said the 520-student school badly needs.

The board also voted to seek out and hire a 6-8th grade reading teacher. Nelson explained that none of the Continental teachers on the reduction-in-force list could be hired because they lacked qualification for the special position.

Continental announced in March that it was forced to issue a reduction-in-force of about one quarter of its teaching staff. Ten teachers were laid off, two volunteering to retire. In April, one teacher was able to return when a full-time teacher voluntarily stepped down to take a part-time position.

But board member Chet Davis pointed out Monday that the rehired staff were “theoretical appointments” dependent on the state budget, which should be passed this summer.

Board President Dick Roberts also referred to the looming state budget, and said the board may have to “start from scratch” after it finally comes through.

“We had a $260,000 deficit last year, and now we’re $16,000 in the black,” said Supernatant Jim Nelson, who thanked the board and staff for their hard work piecing together a budget and making sacrifices.

Nelson said much of that amount was attained through pursuing grant money. He also thanked the “generosity of the community,” citing several anonymous monetary donations, as well as donated services and equipment.

The proposed budget will be adopted at the July 13 board meeting. The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at Continental School, 1991 E. Whitehouse Canyon Road.

jrichardson@gvnews.com | 547-9726