Action on a recommendation to reduce Clear Lake’s school staff by two elementary teachers and other staff changes were put on hold Monday night, pending a hearing.
    Interim Superintendent Dwight Pierson said his staffing recommendation is part of a plan to trim the district’s budget by $400,000. The proposed reductions and cuts in contracts will save the school district approximately $130,000.
    In addition to the two elementary teachers, another three staff members, two at the middle school and one at the high school, will have their contracts cut by one-quarter.  Retiring Middle School Principal Bob Mondt will not be replaced. Not filling Mondt’s position and other administrative reductions will save the district another $112,000.
    The remaining $150,000 in cuts will come from attrition and cuts in support staff and para-professionals. Two elementary teachers who took early retirement will not be replaced.
    Pierson said three persons have requested a hearing concerning the cuts.  The district will work with counsel to set that date.  No action on the proposed cuts can be taken until those hearings are held. The dates for the hearings have yet to be set.
    In other business Monday night, the board set a public hearing for 7 p.m. Monday, May 19, to legally prepare for the disposition of the district’s Administrative Office at 306 1st Ave. N., and the Lincoln School property at 306 S. 8th St.  
    The Board is continuing to explore ways which the Lincoln School property can be best used in the public’s behalf.