River Valley Board approves contracts

CORRECTIONVLLE - Contract approval for an educational aide and bus driver, salary adjustments for teachers achieving continuing education credits, and a surprise birthday cake for the "boss" highlighted the August 18th meeting of the River Valley Board of Education here.

The Board approved contracts for Jill Johnson to serve as a Special Education Aide, and for Renee Lundt to serve as Special Education bus driver. They replace former Aide/bus driver Aaron Orndorff who had resigned his positions.

Three teachers were approved for a move on the salary placement schedule, including grades 5-6 Social Studies teacher Annette Simonsen, who has moved from a BA+15 to a BA+30 salary placement; Reading recovery teacher Shari Hansen, who has moved from an MA to MA+15 placement; and to Junior/Senior High Art teacher Jane Harris, who has moved from a BA+15 to a BA+30 placement.

The Board also approved school nurse Lorraine Jepsen as River Valley Community School Homeless Liaison, a position required by law.

Superintendent Julie DeStigter applauded the "fantastic job" her Principals and staff did on Monday, the first day of classes for the 2008-09 school year. "Things went off without a hitch," said DeStigter.

The meeting included a special treat when Elementary Principal Deb Bagenstos, and Junior-Senior Principal Jim Walser presented DeStigter with a surprise ice cream birthday cake, celebrating her August 16 birthday. The youthful DeStigter, eagerly entering her sixth decade, was more than happy to share her delicious cake with all present.