Contracts for two Le Mars Community School District instructors have been terminated by the board of education due to declining enrollment.

The termination, made official last week, is effective June 30, 2008, the end of the 2007-2008 school year.

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Positions held by Melissa Forbes, a fifth grade teacher, and Cliff McMurray, a half time music teacher, were eliminated as part of the budget cuts needed for the 2008-09 school year.

Superintendent Dr. Todd Wendt noted to board members that declining enrollment was the reason behind the position cuts.

"The termination is not a reflection on their job performance," Wendt said.

According to the termination notice, the recommendations to terminate the contracts were made for the following reasons:

1. The patterns of enrollment in the School District.

2. The District is able to provide adequate services to its students using fewer teachers, and this will reduce the need for teachers in the Le Mars Community School District.

3. Compliance with the staff reduction procedures contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the Board of Directors of the Le Mars Community School District and the Le Mars Community Education Association.

The notices were sent to the two on April 9, and neither Forbes or McMurray requested a private hearing on the matter, according to Wendt.

In two unanimous votes, the board accepted the recommendation to terminate the contracts for Forbes and McMurray effective at the end of the current school year for the reasons set forth.

Board members also approved the list of support staff contracts for the 2008-09 school year. That list includes bus drivers, Central Office staff, custodians, directors, I.M.C. personnel, lunch personnel, maintenance, mechanic, secretaries, and teacher aides. Seven administrator contracts, not including the superintendent's contract, were also approved.

The board entered closed session to discuss contract negotiations with Superintendent Dr. Todd Wendt. Following the discussions, the board returned to open session and tabled action on the contract, pending language changes in the contract.