MASON CITY – The Mason City High School Athletic Director was told Monday that he would be terminated, until the school board later Monday voted 7-0 to hold off on that decision.
According to an email that was distributed by Mason City High School Athletic Director Bob Kenny, he explained that his position would be cut Monday. He makes $101K per year.
However, Monday night, the school board decided to hold off on terminating Kenny, as a number of students, coaches and teachers voiced strong opposition to the possible move.
The board may take up the issue at a later meeting.
The district, despite approval by voters of two new taxes last fall, is claiming that it is in financial dire straits and needs to make serious cuts to balance budgets. More cuts will be discussed at tonight’s school board meeting. Some coaches and teachers have been on alert that they could be without a job soon.
Meanwhile, more school buildings are slated to have upgrades and improvements in the near future, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. NIT reported last July that the district is about $36 million in debt. It pays over $24 million in salaries per year.
It has been said that School Superintendent Micich favors the fine arts programs over athletics. NIT hs also received word that Clear Lake is exploring ending a sharing agreement with Mason City with Micich, who is superintendent of both districts.
