Goulette said if the administration reconfiguration is approved it would save between $50,000-$85,000. The reconfiguration includes the retirements of Ruth Fox, principal of Dryden High School and Dennis Kiel, director of district services. Fox and Kiel are retired administrators who contract with the district through private companies. Also, Brian Tresnak, a part-time English teacher and athletic director would return to teaching full-time. "What would occur is the existing staff would pick up duties," he said. "We'll have to continue to look at where to cut." Because there's been no action on the part of Gov. Jennifer Granholm when it comes to increasing state aid, Goulette said budgetary cuts are needed. Goulette said the difference in what the district could actually get could be $75,000. "We're looking at cutting $250,000 to $325,000," Goulette said. "The board would determine to cut less and take it out of our fund equity that has about $500,000-$600,000 right now. We're projecting to have a decrease in enrollment next year by 25 as we have a large senior class."

Goulette said making budgetary cuts isn't unusual in the state's current uncertain economy. The board took no action on the administrative reconfiguration. Girls' soccer offsides? It wasn't an agenda item, but the board heard many soccer supporters plead that they wanted their sport kept in play by the district. About 40 supporters attended Monday's board of education meeting to speak out. No recommendation has been made to the board by an athletic council made up of coaches and parents. The council gathered to consider the future of sports in the Dryden Community Schools. They also surveyed students about sports in grades seven through 12 on two occasions. Students spoke out for the district to keep girls' soccer. "I'm a current and future soccer player. I keep my grades up and I'm not home on the couch," said McKenzie Steam. Other parents were concerned at the possible elimination by the district of the sport and added hundreds of kids play the sport. The parents also said they wanted their children to have a choice when it comes to playing sports.

"We're here to express our passion for soccer," said a current girls soccer player, Brittany Lewis. "The soccer program has existed since 2001 and is a self-funded program." Jean Cahill, another player, reminded the board that the soccer team she's a member of represents the school. A parent, Caroline Keeler said, "One of the beautiful things about this school district is the choices. My daughter has been talking about playing soccer" and added it's a beneficial exercise to participate in. Dryden Superintendent Tom Goulette said the athletic commission discussed each sport the district offers. "We had discussions about what programs can be effectively ran long term," he said. "We were looking at the overall athletic program. Cost is not a factor. We looked at how we can best configure the athletic program." The issue of the future of girls' soccer is expected to be discussed by the board at the next regular meeting, May 13. No action was taken on the issue by the board. Based on surveys and research, an athletic commission is dealing with the issues of eliminating girls' soccer, and the creation of teams for boys' soccer and boys' and girls' cross country, but no final determination has been made. Jennifer Decker can be reached at 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.