Whitehall board approves staff raises, higher insurance premiums

The Whitehall school board approved a raise for teachers at its regular meeting last week Monday, but there will also be an increase in insurance costs. 

The board approved a 2.5 percent Consumer Price Index increase for all teacher contracts. The increase was negotiated between the district and the Whitehall Teachers Association.

“Given what our staff faces for challenges today, this settlement pales in comparison to what is deserved by so many of our teachers,” Mike Beighley, district superintendent, said. “Our conversations were honest and genuine with a tremendous amount of respect for both the work this is taking place as well as currently political and fiscal realities.”

Beighley said he had “tremendous respect for the work that is taking place” within the district.

It wasn’t all positive however, as the board also approved an insurance plan that will have a 22 percent premium increase for health insurance. As discussed at the April meeting, the district was voted out of a group that would’ve allowed for lower health insurance costs. Beighley said the district looked for cheaper options, but could not find any. 

“We did the best we could to minimize the impact on our folks,” Beighley said. “Nobody likes this, I didn’t like having to tell them.” 

The board also improved a dental insurance plan that will have a four percent increase. 

The board approved resignations for high school science teacher John Kleinhans and physical education teacher Carley Green. Green is moving to the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau district and Kleinhans to the La Crosse area. Kleinhans was also the school’s varsity football coach.

Board member Julie Dokkestul asked if the district would seek a woman to replace Green in the physical education department. Beighley said the district would not make the decision based on whether the applicant is a male or female. 

“We will take the best candidate that we can get,” Beighley said.

The board also approved the resignation of second-grade teacher Mara Peterson. Beighley said the position would be filled internally. 

Beighley explained that the floor of the elementary gymnasium would be replaced over the summer. “That floor takes a beating,” he said. 

The district would also be changing classrooms around. 

The board heard presentations from students in FCCLA. Two of the students will be attending a national competition in San Diego. A group of three won a gold metal at the state competition, but was not eligible for national competition.