GFW School Board approves a few more reductions

by Doug Hanson
The GFW School Board had a very short meeting on Monday, June 3rd, to discuss additional budget reductions that Superintendent Allen Berg was recommending. The Board had agreed to approximately $316,000 in reductions at the April meeting. At that time Berg stated he would look for another $60,000 in reductions.
At the June 3rd meeting, Berg stated that the position of the Social Emotional Learning Interventionist that left last summer and was not rehired but was still part of the budget. That position was officially cut. The middle school math interventionist position was also cut. Lucas Thompson, who held that position was certified to teach middle school math and will take over that position. This move left math teacher Ivan Vicente without a job.
The District also received $46,707.95 more in Compensatory Revenue than was anticipated due to a one-time state funding approval.
Finally Superintendent Allen Berg decided not to take his salary increase of $3,500, that was negotiated last spring.
The total reductions at the June meeting came to $147,111.53. That brought the total budget savings to $462,951.
The GFW School Board will have to approve the 2026-27 budget by June 30.
In other news Ashlee Barnes, a special education teacher, was not offered a contract at the end of the school year. Berg stated that after meeting with Barnes, he decided to hire her for one more year but asked for a resolution to extend the probationary period of her teaching contract one year. The Board approved.
Berg also mentioned the dedication of the staff and highlighted the 30-year veterans that were pictured last week. This week we are highlighting the service a 29-year veteran, Sue O’Neill, who retirerd as an English teacher. Also Denise Palmer, middle/high school secretary retired after 30 years.