By Lori EhdeLuverne School Board members authorized capital expenditures up to $35,000 to improve elementary school playgrounds.Since Luverne students moved into their new elementary school in 1998, it’s become apparent the campus doesn’t have enough playground area on the south side for preschool through second grades.Because so many little feet trample the ground several times a day in such a concentrated area, the grass has never had a chance to get established.The result has been bare ground that’s often muddy, and students are frequently encouraged to play on the asphalt parking lot instead. The problem was further exacerbated by a large maple tree, whose roots spread out close to the surface, discouraging grass growth at its wide base.The Facilities Committee of the Luverne School Board has been meeting on the issue and came to last week’s board meeting with several recommendations."We’ve been meeting with engineers, architects, and surveyors, and we have quite a little information that includes a variety of recommendations," Superintendent Vince Schaefer told the board during their Wednesday, June 11, meeting."The area is simply too small for the number of kids who need to access that playground area, and we end up literally destroying our turf."The recommendations include the following:oMove the chain link fence as far west as possible and install connecting fences as needed on the south.oBring in dirt and compost material to support better grass growth.oRemove the large maple tree, which was already done by Wednesday’s meeting.oDevelop the area to the west below the hill into a playground as well, so all the students aren’t clustered around the existing equipment.This work includes a handicap-accessible walkway from the top of the hill angled to the bottom.The work will be paid for with money from the district’s capital outlay funds. The estimated $32,000 to $35,000 includes sidewalk, fence and dirt work.In personnel matters Wednesday, the board:oHired Kyle Eastman, Madison, S.D., as high school vocal music instructor to replace Beth Behal who’s on a three-year leave. His salary will be $30,805.oHired Jamie Creegan, Parker, S.D., as Discovery Time Preschool teacher to replace Jane Gropel, who retired. Creegan’s salary will be $29,321.oHired Norwood Young America native Darrin Olson as chemistry and physics teacher. He replaces John Oksness, who retired, and he’ll also assume some coaching duties. His salary will be $33,163.oHired Madelia native Lori Jacobs as second-grade teacher and head volleyball coach. Second grade teachers Carol Goehle and Bonnie Kirchhofer retired this year, so Jacobs fills one of those positions and the coaching contract formerly held by Mary Jo Graphenteen. Jacobs’ salary will be $32,292.oHired Worthington native Michelle Burkard as special education teacher to replace Lucinda Rofshus, will become a second-grade teacher this year. Burkard’s salary will be $28,643.oHired Lynette Stensland, Luverne, as half-time elementary special education teacher to replace Amanda Buysse, who will fill the position of Roseanne Herman, who retired this year. Stensland’s salary will be $19,794.50.oRecognized High School Principal Gary Fisher for 20 years in school administration. The past 12 years he’s been in Luverne.
