After reversal on teacher cuts, Grand Forks School Board members cite rushed pace, lack of information
On April 12, the Grand Forks School Board voted 6-3 to cut seven teaching positions in an effort to reduce the district s budget. In a surprising decision a week later, the board reversed its decision and canceled the cuts. Why did board members change their minds? Written By: Pamela D. Knudson | 7:00 am, Apr. 28, 2021 ×
Maura Ferguson testifies during a Grand Forks School Board meeting on April 12, 2021. Testimony was gathered that evening prior to the board s decision to cut seven positions – a move the board reversed a week later. Photo by Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald
Board ultimately opts to move forward with plan for the June 22 special election. Written By: Pamela D. Knudson | 10:28 pm, Apr. 26, 2021 ×
The Mark Sanford Education Center, headquarters of Grand Forks Public Schools. (Grand Forks Herald photo)
The Grand Forks School Board on Monday, April 26, spent a fair amount of time discussing the possibility of delaying a referendum election planned for June 22, but ultimately opted to move forward and ask voters to approve the $86 million bond and 10-mill increase.
While there seems to be broad public support for the 10-mill levy increase for the school district s building fund, there’s confusion about how the $86 million would be used, several board members said.
Budget reduction eliminates seven teaching positions for next school year Written By: Pamela D. Knudson | 10:41 am, Apr. 13, 2021 ×
Maura Ferguson testifies during Monday s school board meeting regarding budget reduction recommendations at the Mark Sanford Education Center. Photo by Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald
Minutes after the Grand Forks School Board voted to eliminate seven teaching positions, including the coordinator of the Artist in the Classroom program, Nicole Derenne was notably disappointed.
Derenne was among many in the audience of Monday s board meeting who had urged the board to preserve arts and humanities program staff in next year’s budget.
“It is certainly a disappointment,” Derenne said after the lengthy meeting April 12. “I’m more disappointed for students. I’m disappointed for teachers and I’m disappointed for families in Grand Forks – and for our community (because) now we don’t have standards-based art e