LCS middle school principal hired

Christopher Schmit, a middle school instructor at Waterloo, was recommended from the candidates interviewed for the position. He will replace Amy Johnson, who resigned the position this spring.

Schmit earned his principalship M.A.E. degree in May 2007 at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI).

Since 2005, Schmit has been at Central Middle School in Waterloo, teaching sixth and seventh grade social studies, sixth grade language arts and seventh grade mathematics. His other work experience includes The Educational Discipline Program in Waterloo schools in sixth, seventh and eighth grade science, mathematics and pre-algebra, and teaching at Blessed Sacrament School in Waterloo during te 2003-04 school year.

Schmit has also helped coach middle school wrestling.

He served as professional development school site coordinator for 2007, working with school administrators, UNI professors and middle school teachers to improve the development of new teachers.

He received his undergraduate degree from UNI with majors in elementary education and middle level education and a minor in mathematics, earning his bachelor of arts degree in 2003.

"He comes highly recommended," Superintendent Dr. Todd Wendt told board members in making the recommendation.

The board approved his contract at a salary of $60,000.

Board members also approved a three-year contract for Wendt at Monday's meeting. The contract calls for a salary of $123,517 for July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. The second year and third year salaries shall be as set by the board but not less than the salary set for the first year of the contract.

The board conducts an annual review of the superintendent as well as setting goals for each year for both the superintendent and board.

A contract for Mallory Price to coach ninth grade softball in 2008 for $2,656 was also approved.

The board approved one resignation, that of Connie Klohs from her lunch worker contract effective at the end of the 2007-08 school year.

At their meeting April 28, Wendt informed board members that high school social studies teacher Steve Yelinek, who had submitted his resignation at the end of the 2007-08 in order to retire, had rescinded his resignation and decided to continue teaching.

The board accepted the resignation of Jill Mitchell as middle school art teacher, effective at the end of the 2007-08 in order to retire. They also accepted the resignation of Kristin Iverson as vocal music accompanist effective at the end of the 2007-08 school year.

The board approved the following contracts at their April 28 meeting:

* Shane Hessenius, special education at the high school for $33,925, assistant ninth grade football for $2,120, assistant high school wrestling for $2,726, and assistant boys' tennis for $2,120.

* Adam Moss, assistant middle school wrestling for the 2008-09 school year at $1,817.

* Kellie Bork, seventh grade assistant boys' basketball coach for 2008-09 at $1,817.

* Tami Dunn, eighth grade assistant girls' basketball coach for 2008-09 at $1,817.

* Ashley HoIst, seventh grade assistant girls' basketball coach for 2008-09 at 1,817

* Randy Benton, summer band instructor for $113.59/day for 25 days.

The resignations and contracts were approved on unanimous votes.