8. Layoffs of teachers in Albert Lea Area Schools

 

The Albert Lea school board cut or reduced 17 teacher positions on the night of April 19, visibly upsetting a crowd of more than 70 people who came to ask the board to spend more time on the decision.

On a 4-1 vote, the board reduced the teacher workforce as part of a district realignment of grades and transfer of teachers. Board member Jill Marin voted against the measure and said she supports the realignment, but not cutting music teaching positions. She also spoke to high school students who were present to say she appreciated them and that they’re strong leaders.

Board members Bill Leland, Linda Laurie, Mark Ciota and Jeshua Erickson voted to approve the budget reduction and resolutions to cut or reduce teaching positions. Board member Sally Ehrhardt was not present. After voting on the measure, several Albert Lea High School students were visibly upset — some were crying upon hearing the vote.

Of the teachers being cut, the one that put a face to the issue was Albert Lea High School band teacher Peter Gepson. Opponents of the cuts said the music department had taken the brunt of staff cuts in recent years. And they pointed out how Gepson came to Albert Lea after being recruited away from Triton High School in Dodge Center.

Students made T-shirts and posters to garner support in their quest to keep Gepson at the high school. Tribune columnist David Behling pointed out: “While Albert Lea High School gets an extra administrator to share the load, the music faculty at ALHS are being asked to accept a whole extra grade with the same resources.”

Superintendent Mike Funk spoke to the crowd to remind them of why the administration brought the resolution to the board. He said it was because of budget shortfalls and that he has full respect for all teachers in the district, including the next band director. He praised the crowd for its passion. To some, Funk seemed to talk down to the people in attendance, though to others he seemed to be making an attempt at praising their efforts.

Some opponents of the cuts took their vitriol too far. Someone sent a nasty message to Lakeview Elementary School music teacher Suzanne Mauer, who was slated to replace Gepson at the high school.

Two school board members, Marin and Ehrhardt, in May called for a resolution to save Peter Gepson’s job, but they were overruled by other board members. Ehrhardt stepped down from the board in July, citing personal reasons.

Gepson directed his final show in May. And in June, shortly before his job ended, the drumline, under his direction, was awarded Best in Show at the Straight River Days Parade in Medford, the only award that parade hands out.