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JERRY NELSON LEAVING POST AT GRANTON
Tuesday, June 13th, 2006 -- 2:15 pm
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
When Jerry Nelson took over the reigns of the Granton School District back in 2001, it was only supposed to be temporary – five years later, the former Osseo-Fairchild superintendent is finally retiring.
“I was just hired until we could find a replacement, the board wasn’t able to find a candidate they felt comfortable with,” Nelson recalls. “They asked if I’d stay on a year – we kind of did it year-by-year after that.”
Nelson, 65, began during a tumultuous time for the district, which was embroiled in the controversial firing of superintendent Don Danielson.
In 2004, Nelson guided the district in passing a $350,000 revenue cap exemption referendum.
It was that kind of community support that prompted Nelson to stay longer than he anticipated.
“People did have an interest to continue what they have here. We have a numerous parents that are in here helping out, volunteering – they’re very involved in the community,” Nelson says.
He has long criticized the state’s funding formula for punishing rural districts, yet, he believes Granton – with only 290 students - can remain open for years to come.
“They can hang on for as long as they want,” Nelson says. “The thing that enters into this whole picture is the state, and what portion of costs will continue with state aids, as opposed to pushing it all on to the districts.”
Nelson says he’s going to miss his job, but feels it’s time for a younger person to take over. The district recently hired Rick Rehm to serve as superintendent.
Nelson’s last day in the office is June 30th.
A lifelong Republican, Nelson plans to help Democrats during upcoming elections because he doesn’t feel Republicans are serious about school funding.
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