Agenda:

1) Motion to remove the motion to table calling a 6th grade teacher to replace Mr. Asmus from the table.

2) Motion to eliminate the 6th grade teaching position.

Background:

This past Thursday evening, a special council meeting was held to discuss calling a sixth grade replacement teacher for Andy Asmus who recently accepted a call to teach at Lakeside High School. The special council meeting was called because an attempt by the Board of Education to call a 6th grade teacher from the field or through the assignment committee was tabled at the April 24th Quarterly Voter’s meeting. The call was tabled until the Board of Education could meet with the Long Range Financial Committee to discuss all options available to the school. The Board of Education met with the Long Range Financial Committee and discussed many options to cover the vacancy. In the end, the Long Range Financial committee understood the logic of a call through the assignment committee as one of the options. The Board of Education requested a special council meeting so that the appropriate notices could be given to the congregation regarding a special congregational meeting. Assignment calls will be extended to graduates no later than May 14, 2003, and in the event the council approved the Board of Education recommendation, it would be necessary for the congregation to meet prior to that date.

The Board of Education came to the special council meeting with two options regarding the vacancy. The first option was to request the assignment of a 2003 graduate from the MLC assignment committee. The second option was to not fill the call and combine the 5th and 6th grade classes for the 2003-2004 school year. The board presented a detailed plan regarding the class structure, textbook issues and teaching responsibilities involved with a combined class. Due to class sizes, this option could only be considered as a one-year fix to the situation. The board stressed that a combined class was a workable solution, for one year. After lengthy discussion of the options, the Board of Education put forth a motion to call a 6th grade teacher through the assignment committee.

As you know our congregation is faced with an ever-increasing financial challenge. Congregational giving has not kept pace with expenses and operating costs. Our indebtedness continues to grow and our leadership has been directed to consider ways to balance our congregational budget. Not calling a teacher to replace our 6th grade teacher is certainly a step backwards in the Christian educational process at our very fine elementary school. Yet tough decisions have to be made. Either contributions must increase dramatically or services have to be reduced.


On Thursday night, the council voted down the Board of Education recommendation to call a 6th grade teacher. The council made an alternative motion to eliminate the 6th grade teacher position. Please understand that this decision was not intended to be a statement against Christian education at St. Matthews. In many ways, this decision was a message to the congregation that changes are necessary. As a result of a one-vote margin, the council will recommend to the congregation at a special congregational meeting on Wednesday, May 14th, that we do not call a replacement teacher for our 6th grade vacancy.

Encouragement:

As this recommendation is put in front of our voters, it would be a shame if only 30 or 40 of our members attended this very important meeting. This decision not only affects our day school operation and children, but it has an effect on every member of this congregation. A great deal of information will be shared at this meeting so that the congregation can make an informed decision. Every adult member of our congregation should be in attendance – both MEN and WOMEN. Baby-sitting will be provided so that both parents can attend.

Our Lord is really testing us at St. Matthews. There are so many opportunities to do his work – to extend his kingdom. We have this opportunity in our day school. We have growing outreach opportunities within our community and abroad. We have internal needs to reach delinquent members. None are without cost or personal involvement or sacrifice. Not replacing our sixth grade teacher is a matter of lack of financial support. Not being at this special congregational meeting would be a matter of lack of personal involvement. This shouldn’t be! It is our prayer that we see all of you there.

Lord, we pray for your divine guidance as this congregation deliberates on these important matters.