School board offers another contract for superintendent
By GABLE RHOADS
The McClusky School Board hopes the second time is a charm as it voted to offer a contract to Dr. Cheri Poitra of Belcourt.
Poitra, who has a Doctor of Education and a Master of Education in Special Education, as well as credentials for school superintendent and principal, was interviewed by the board earlier this month. The contract will specify that she share administrative and special education duties at the school.
The board also had to consider a request for release of contract from Matthew Kittleson. Kittleson had signed a contract to fill the social studies instructor at the high school.
Superintendent Robert Tollefson said he had spoken with Kittleson, who cited personal problems as the reason for his change of mind.
Tollefson recommended the board receive and acknowledge the request but not act on it. The board can then open the position to applications.
School Board President Brian Larson said the board should hold out for someone excited about the position, "not just a warm body." The board voted to receive and acknowledge the request and to table further action.
The auction went well, according to Tollefson. The proceeds from the cafeteria’s oven and mixers can be used by the cafeteria staff to purchase needed equipment.
Tollefson reported the concealed weapons bill was defeated by the ND Senate. The bill would have allowed a person with a concealed weapon permit and permission from the local school board to carry a weapon onto school grounds,
The Early Childhood Education bill was passed. Tollefson said it was "a pittance for something we can’t afford to do."
