Luverne Elementary School principal resigns

By Lori EhdeLuverne School Board members accepted the resignation of Elementary Principal Melody Tenhoff during their Thursday, June 24 meeting.Tenhoff informed the board she’d accepted an offer by the St. Cloud School District to fill the elementary principal position there."It’s a larger school system, new opportunities and different experiences," Tenhoff told the Star Herald Tuesday.Also, she said St. Cloud puts her closer to family members in that area.Tenhoff took the reigns from former Elementary Principal Ed Salzer seven years ago when students still attended classes in the old building downtown.A year and a half later, Tenhoff lead the elementary students and staff through the monumental change of moving to a new building."I’ll never forget those days," she said.Elementary Secretary Gail Jahn said Tenhoff’s departure will be felt by the district."This staff, myself included, really love her and appreciate her," Jahn said.She said Tenhoff had a healthy rapport with the students, even if she had to be stern in disciplinary situations."The kids would go to her and hug her," Jahn said. "She can be tough, but she really loves kids."Tenhoff has started her own moving process this week. She said she’s looking forward to her new job, but will miss Luverne."It’s been good; it’s been fun," she said. "I just want to thank everyone for the wonderful times I’ve had here."The personnel committee of the Luverne School Board met in special session early this morning to explore options for filling the elementary principal position.In other personnel matters, the board:
Approved another three-year superintendent contract with Vince Schaefer, following an executive session for a superintendent’s review.The salary will be approved at a later date, since all district administrative salaries are still under negotiation.
Accepted the resignation of sixth-grade teacher Kathy Olson.
Accepted the retirement of bus driver Phyllis Mohr.
Approved the termination of paraprofessional Amber Miller as part of the budget cut process.
Approved the hiring of Phoebe Flom as part-time media paraprofessional.
Approved the hiring of elementary teachers Kelly Bergan, Jennifer Engesser and Lori Jacobs, who were previously placed on unrequested leave of absence.Implementation of additional cost savingsLuverne School Board members and administration continue to chip away at the monumental $350,000 worth of budget cuts in order to bring the district out of deficit spending.Following action at Thursday’s meeting, District Finance Officer Marlene Mann told the board they’d arrived at $313,463 so far in budget cuts."So we’re not there yet," Mann said about reaching the $350,000 goal.She said her estimates are based on the assumption that enrollment holds steady and that expenditures don’t increase.Her estimates were also based on the following board action Thursday:oWitholding $35,000 of staff development money for the general fund.
Reducing the summer ag program by one week at a savings of $5,993. The district will meanwhile transfer money from the Gunderson Fund to support that.
Charging users of the district newsletter, instead of funding the $6,000 through the general fund.
Reducing expenditures for general supplies by $10,000. "We don’t run a lot of surplus, but to say it’s going to be painless … I’m guessing we’ll feel it," Schaefer said of the cuts.
Eliminating the after-hours middle school-high school computer lab assistant will save $4,000. Students will use computers in the library after hours, and if those stations are all filled, then someone can work in the computer lab on a per-hour basis as needed, rather than on a contract for the whole time.