Gilman school chief to step down 
by Mark Berglund
The Star News
February 18, 2010 —  The Gilman School Board accepted the upcoming retirement of district administrator Mark Heyerdahl at its meeting Monday night. The retirement would become official June 30. The position was posted the next day and Heyerdahl expects the board to begin the replacement process at the next meeting.
Heyerdahl, who came from the ranks of retired administrators, filled a 60 percent slot with the district and received no benefits beyond his salary. He advised the board administrators must remain retired 30 days before taking a new job, so potential candidates in his status could not take over until August 1. Heyerdahl said he planned to be present for the July audit and July school board meetings as his final tasks with the district.
Heyerdahl said two of the accomplishments reached during his time at Gilman include board relations and a new contract with the Gilman Education Association. The contract changed the language on retirement benefits. The former contract provided high-end benefits for a few retirees while many of the members coming up in future years would receive nothing. Heyerdahl helped the board and union work out a plan which limited the front-end expenses while spreading out the support for everyone.
Relations between the school board, the administrator and public have also improved under Heyerdahl's watch. The board saw frequent turnovers in previous years and school board meetings were often contentious and drawn-out events. A more civil and positive atmosphere exists now. "It seems like he showed up at the right time," board president Jerry Sromek said. "He puts all of us on the same page."
Board vice president Chris Skabroud said Heyerdahl was always accessible for questions and information despite the shortened contract. The move to the 60 percent position was a financial one and Skabroud said Heyerdahl proved his value through the experience he brought. "His expertise on financial matters paid off," Skabroud said.
Heyerdahl was the first superintendent hired by many of the current school board members and the first one hired for a 60 percent contract. "It was a little scary going into it for the first time. We won't be doubting ourselves now," Sromek said. "We were pretty green last time, but we've got some tenure on the board now and I think we know the questions we need to ask," Skabroud said.
Before Heyerdahl's arrival, the district was heading toward a referendum vote to exceed the revenue cap. His financial leadership helped the district build back its fund balance and begin to take a more long-range approach to decisions. Sromek and Skabroud said financial expertise will again be high on the board's hiring priorities as it attempts to hold the district's financial line.
It appears his retirement may be more final this time around. Heyerdahl said his wife is already planning some travel for his post-retirement days.
In another personnel matter Monday, the board voted to post a secretarial position for the district office. It would be the second position in the district office staff, joining Peggy Hinkel. Heyerdahl said the district office included three employees when he began.
Board member Alexis Goebel had objections to the plan. Before the meeting, she contacted other area schools about their staffing levels and positions. "As you know from calling, we are understaffed," Heyerdahl said. Goebel was also hoping the position could be removed from the district's support staff union. Heyerdahl said he is able to designate one employee as a confidential secretary and it is Hinkel. The board ultimately voted 6-0 to post a seven hours per day secretarial position.
The board also adjusted the contracts for two teachers. To adjust for fewer students in the math classes, the position held by Tom Arthur will be reduced to 1/2 time next fall. Sandi Mudgett will not be needed for lunch duty, so her position was reduced by 7 percent to a 1/2 time position as well. Nicole Lang's position for teaching English/Title I was increased to full-time for next year to handle additional sections. Lang is currently working with fourth graders in a 1/2 time role.

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