Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lake Park Audubon board approves combined activities director role, opens negotiations for 7–12 principal
Summary
After heated debate about duties and pay, the Lake Park Audubon School Board approved a one-year combined activities director position and voted to open negotiations with Lorenda Zick for the 7th–12th principal role. The moves are framed as steps to reduce administrative cost and cover gaps after recent resignations.
The Lake Park Audubon School Board on June 30 approved a new, one-year combined activities director position — consolidating athletics, building-and-grounds tasks, extracurricular transportation and summer recreation — and voted to open negotiations to hire Lorenda Zick as the 7th–12th grade principal.
Superintendent Dr. Bergquist explained the change as a response to a smaller administrative team and recent resignations: “We have significantly reduced administration,” he said, and asked the board to approve a one-year contract so the district can absorb responsibilities while keeping staffing flexible. The position combines three roles into one to save money and maintain programs, he said.
Board members pressed for detail about pay and scope. The job posting listed a salary range of $55,000–$75,000; members argued about whether the low advertised minimum would deter qualified applicants and whether the district could advertise a higher top end. One board member warned a $72,000 total package could still be seen as insufficient for the expanded responsibilities; another member proposed keeping the range but being realistic about initial hires’ experience level.
Dr. Bergquist said the position was advertised externally and that the hiring committee interviewed candidates and unanimously recommended one applicant. He presented it as a one-year solution and said he would mentor the new hire: “I will meet with this person quite a bit,” he said.
The board also discussed operational details: the activities director would not include full district transportation duties but would cover extracurricular transportation; some supervisory stipends (evening event supervision) would be eliminated, producing modest savings. The superintendent estimated prior activities-director pay was about $57,000 plus $2,000–$3,000 in supervision stipends; the consolidated role would be a 12-month position and could cost more depending on the final salary.
After extended discussion about hiring strategy and fiscal prudence, the board approved the activities director position by roll-call vote (ayes recorded). The board then considered the principal vacancy after the high-school principal resigned. Dr. Bergquist reported that Lorenda Zick, who is currently on a one-year MOU and holds principal certification, expressed willingness to serve as 7th–12th principal and to facilitate the online program. The board voted to open negotiations with Zick for that role.
The personnel actions were taken amid repeated reminders from members that hiring decisions must balance fiscal constraints and program needs. The superintendent said the board can revisit contracts and make changes after the one-year period.
What’s next: The district will finalize the activities director hire under a one-year contract and proceed to negotiate terms with Lorenda Zick for the 7–12 principal position. The board discussed possible internal alternatives if the positions prove unaffordable, but no alternative plan was adopted at the meeting.
