School board hires coach, raises lunch prices

At their Monday May 20 meeting, the Hayward Community School Board hired a new boys basketball coach, and raised lunch prices by 5 cents per meal for the next school year.

The board hired Curtis DeCora as head boys basketball coach. He replaces Patrick Harrison, who stepped down at the end of the past season.

DeCora thanked the board and said he is “excited and happy. I’m an alum. I’m happy to be back.”

On behalf of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, Ben Popp presented the school district with $31,000 in appreciation for the facilities the district provides during Birkie Week.

Supt. Craig Olson recognized teacher Shauna Wallace, who completed a six-week social-emotional learning session with 4 and 5 year old kids in the 4K wrap-around program as part of her occupational therapy doctoral degree program.

This learning is “a foundation for academic success,” as it helps kids deal with stress as they get older Wallace said. It helps them grow. A lot of our kids deal with poverty and trauma at home.”

In other actions, the board:

Approved a 3 percent increase ($66,000) in compensation for the Chartwells food service provider for 2024-25.

Approved meal prices for next school year. Full price lunch will cost $2.45 for grades K-5, $2.65 for grades 6-8, $2.75 for grades 9-12. Ala carte milk will cost 45 cents per half pint (5 cents increase) and adult lunch will cost $4.65, same as this year.

Breakfast again will be served to all ages free of charge.

Renewed dental plan coverage with Delta Dental of Wisconsin through the Northern School District Co-op. The estimated monthly premium is $20,144, the current rate: $32 per month for the single plan and $105 for the family plan.

Received a letter of retirement from Lynn Kelsey, library aide for the past 35 years.

Received letters of resignation from David Friend, football assistant coach; and David Viner, drama advisor.

Approved the transfer of Sarah Gunn to library media specialist, replacing Roger Burger.

The board heard a report from

The schools received the following recent donations:

Northern Lakes Cenex Hurricane Pride Gasoline Pump Donations; March, $338.54, April $341.24.Innovative Office Solutions donated six cases of goggles to the Intermediate, Middle, High, and Northern Waters Schools.The Middle School received donations from the following businesses for their year-end “Be The 1” celebration: Dairy Queen, Lynn’s Custom Meats, Coop’s Pizza, Anglers, Lynn Marie Candies, Tremblay’s Candy, Kwik Trip and McDonalds.

Donors Choose grants: Elizabeth DiSera received her “Resource Teacher Toollbox Boost” grant, valued at $200; Emily Dibryin received her “Little Spot of Emotions” grant, valued at $570.