Litchfield adapting to having one less school administrator

LITCHFIELD -- The Litchfield School District is operating with one less principal this school year.

The school board accepted the resignation this week of High School Principal Mike Goodrum,

Goodrum, who was hired as the principal in 2007, had been on medical leave since the beginning of this school year. His resignation was effective Oct. 31.

Superintendent Bill Wold said the district does not plan to hire a replacement for the 2009-10 school year. Instead, Middle School Principal Pat Devine will be filling both roles. Wold will provide assistance by conducting teacher observations.

"We've done fine so far," said Wold. "We'll see how the year plays out."

Wold said he believes the arrangement will work because of the experienced and stable teaching staff and the high school and middle school.

"We'll continue the way it is this year," he said. "We'll keep our eye on it."

The school board will likely look at restructuring its administrative team next year, Wold said.

The board approved a three-year agreement to lease the civic arena from the city of Litchfield for physical education classes and the hockey program. The school also uses the locker rooms at the arena, which is located near the high school/middle school.

The arrangement will cost more than it has in the past.

The school will pay the city $43,000 for the 2009-10 school year and $47,000 the following year. The price will be negotiated in the third year.

Last year the district paid $39,900.

Wold said the rate increased because of high utility bills and other costs the city incurres in operating the building. "We have a good relationship with the city," said Wold.

The district will use revenue from a lease levy to pay the rent. It will not come from the school's general fund.

The Dassel-Cokato School District will pay for some of the cost because it shares a hockey program with Litchfield.