Forum News Service
HERMANTOWN, Minn. -- Two weeks after eliminating funding for cheerleading - a move that led to community outcry and surprise - the Hermantown School Board voted to reinstate money for the program Monday night.
The board voted 4-2 to reinstate the money, after earlier this month approving the elimination of $2,500 for the program as part of a larger budget reduction package. More than $260,000 was cut from the district’s budget for next year, including two elementary teacher positions.
Chad William Scott expressed frustration at the lack of communication with the cheerleading teams before the vote and with the confusion shared by some board members about the decision they made.
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“(Some) members claim they didn’t understand what they were voting for,” said Scott, the parent of a cheerleader. “What are we losing by eliminating this program? Everything seems so unclear … Transparency should be the focus at all times.”
Board member Laura Thorsvik said the board voted two weeks ago with the information presented based on information presented by the district and school leadership.
“As a community, we have all learned you have the support behind you for this program,” she said to the students that packed Monday’s meeting.
