A shorter school year and a carousel of personnel moves highlighted a special meeting of the USD 377 school board Monday night.

The board unanimously approved the shortening of the school year by two and a half days with the last day being May 18th.

Superintendent Steve Wiseman says this was the best decision for the school district.

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The board also accepted the resignations of junior/senior high counselor Charles Watkins and junior/senior high PE instructor Daniel Mize effective the end of the school year, as well as custodian Bill Wiedmaier.

The board also hired Alicia Garoutte as an elementary teacher, and Jenna Taliaferro as interim junior/senior high counselor for next year.

They also hired Megan Weishaar and Shirley Eckert as Head and Assistant Cheerleading Coach, respectively, for next year.

The board also Josh Heineken, David Lee and Chad Cave as custodians.

The board also rescinded the resignation of High School Language Arts teacher Barb Gigstad.

Last month, we reported her resignation, but Wiseman says they were able to negotiate for her return with a reduced schedule.