District 84 looks at superintendent appraisal, evaluations

Galstad

resigns

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

SLEEPY EYE -- A Board evaluation and staff appraisal of superintendent Arla Dokter plus the resignation of band director Stan Galstad were among the discussion topics Friday at a Sleepy Eye Public School Board retreat in the high school media center.

Appraisals by five board members tended to rate Dokter outstanding to very good in several dozen areas. In fact, her lowest evaluation was "meeting expectations."

Staff evaluations tended to echo the Board's findings. Many submissions praised her for a positive attitude that helped create a better school atmosphere.

Many comments centered on her remaining in the position next school year. Superintendent Jay Haugen has one year remaining on his contract. The Board granted him a sabbatical with half-pay while sailing with his family last school year.

Staff comments included:

* "it's great to have a superintendent that gives direction and communicates with staff and community, unlike what we have had the past seven years."

* "it's been a very long time since I personally have felt this good about working here. I attribute that to you, Ms. Dokter."

* "...you're doing a great job! Hope you can remain in this position."

* "I was deeply touched by the presentation from the Rocori principal. But, I truly believe that the ones who should have seen those images are the students themselves."

* "It's been great to have leadership."

Areas needing improvement according to staff were following up on discipline issues, cleaner rest rooms, discipline consistency, more forum-type staff meetings, using a 6-7 period day instead of the block system for more flexibility for junior high students. Several staffers suggested returning to a 7-period day instead of block scheduling.

Staff also noted staff gender issues, detention and suspension follow-up, more dress code enforcement, people that don't pull their weight, allowing "privileged" students to leave campus for lunch, in-service staff meetings at the end of the school year instead of waiting until the following fall when issues are forgotten or "brushed under the rug,"

Board chairperson Marcia Marti passed out a farewell letter from Galstad to his former band students. He will direct the Jordan High School band next year.

Galstad urged students to work hard and keep a positive attitude. He felt he needed a new direction in life.

"We'll miss him," Marti said. "He did great things for our school. He is one of the top band leaders in the state."

The Board briefly discussed the prospects of an excess levy referendum. Some members felt it should not be pursued while others felt it was needed to maintain a better quality education.

The Board viewed a video tape of two former state finance commissioners testifying at the Legislature. They complained that Gov. Tim Pawlenty's budget proposal didn't solve the budget crisis but merely shifted money around and did not solve the issue.

The Board meets in regular session at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 21 in the high school library.