09-09-1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

Comm. Minutes, Special Meeting--September 9, 1993 1104 Cass Coun'ty Superintendent of Schools Bruce Hoefs presented a hand-out of statutory duties, and he said there are other related duties which he performs in working with the school districts. He said there are 11 school districts in Cass County, and he spends about 90% of his time with the nine rural schools. The other two public school districts, Fargo and West Fargo, have their own professional staff to handle the majority of these duties. He said there are six parochial schools and two private schools which he also has some responsibility towards. MOTION, failed Mr. Ness made a motion to bring back on the table the motion to budget $5,600 plus benefits and $200 for supplies for the county superintendent of schools. Mrs. Toussaint relinquished the chair to Vice Chairman Risher to second the motion. Discussion: Mr. Wieland is concerned that staffing the position one day per week may not be enough to provide the statutory services. Mrs. Toussaint asked the State's Attorney if it is legal to budget for one day per week and to increase that if the Commission finds it necessary. Mr. Golf said the Commission is mandated to fill the office of county superintendent of schools, and the procedure is set forth in NDCC 15-22-01. The Commission is now authorized to fill the position on a part-time basis, which is defined in the county personnel policy manual as any employee who regularly works less than 40 hours per week. He said the Commission needs to make the decision as to whether one day a week is enough and if they later find the position needs to be staffed three days a week, for example, the Commission will need to obtain the money to do that. At the call for the question and on roll call vote, the motion failed with Mr. Ness and Mrs. Toussaint voting "Aye", Mr. Risher, Mr. Wieland and Mr. Eckert opposing. MOTION, failed for lack of a second Mr. Eckert moved to approve $20,601, as included in the preliminary budget, for the county superintendent of schools for 1994. Hearing no second, the Chairman declared the motion failed. MOTION, failed Mr. Risher moved and Mr. Wieland seconded to reduce the county superintendent of schools budget to $10,000, (equivalent to about two days per week), plus benefits, plus $200 for supplies. Discussion: Mr. Wieland said two days per week actually computes to $11,200 per year. Also, he suggested going on record in support of the concept of approaching the State Legislature again and have them determine if the position should be eliminated, or at least that it be consistent throughout the State. At the call for the question and on roll call vote, the motion failed with Mr. Risher and Mr. Wieland voting "Aye", Mrs. Toussaint, Mr. Eckert and Mr. Ness opposing.