Brainerd Teachers Approve Workshop Money Gift

A majority of the Brainerd teachers who voted last week said the $800,000 professional development fund should be spent to re-hire laid off teachers instead of for workshops and teacher conventions. Assistant Superintendent Steve Rizidlo said he was not surprised. 78% of the teachers who voted supported the move. Education Minnesota Brainerd President Kathy Hegstrom said its up to the administration and school board how the money will be spent. Hegstrom said if the school is in the same finanancial condition next year, teachers may consider repeating their gesture. Hegstrom said "its possible" but teachers hope that funding would not be in the same condition and that giving up professional development money "year after year would enable the state to not to their share". Hegstrom said there's also a possibility to "give a portion of our money back" to help schools and that could be considered in future years.