School Board Meeting Minutes

November 16, 2021

The Board of Education of Independent School District #238 met on Tuesday, November 17, 2021 at 6:00 pm in the Media Center.

Members present in person: Adkins, Miller, Wilder, Tollefsrud, Livingood, Marquardt, Superintendent Kuphal

Also present in person:  Principal Michelle Weidemann, Student Representative Emily Carolan, Rich Wicks, Stacey Wilson, Laura Vatland, District Secretary Lisa Halverson

Members absent: Weidemann, Student Representative Matthew McClimon

Others present via visible-audible technology:  none

The meeting was called to order by Chair Adkins at 6:00 pm.  The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Agenda Changes/Additions: Gary noted the Redefining Readiness Presentation should have been removed from the agenda as it was given last month.  Gary introduced Emily Carolan as a new Student Representative.  Motion to approve the agenda with noted changes by Miller, second by Marquardt and carried unanimously. 

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Livingood, second by Wilder and carried unanimously, to approve the October 19, 2021 minutes.  

Public Comments: none.  

Consent Agenda: Motion by Miller, second by Tollefsrud and carried unanimously, to approve the consent agenda.  Thank you for all the donations!                                                                        

Student Representative Report: - Veteran’s Day Program was held last Thursday, and went well.  

- Student Council is planning a “Hat Day” this Friday to raise money for a student at Spring Grove School who was recently diagnosed with cancer.  

• National Honor Society is collecting gifts for families in need.  Anyone willing to donate, can leave an unwrapped gift for the Giving Tree at the main entrance of the school. 
• Fall Athletic Awards night will be held next Monday.  
• Girls Basketball started yesterday, and Boys Basketball will start next Monday.  

Facilities and Capital Outlay:  The committee met last week and reviewed documents for next Summer’s project.  Bids went out and were opened today.  Will hear more from the Project Manager after he communicates with these companies.  

COVID-19 Update:  Started testing students and staff here at M-C.  Numbers of positive cases continue to stay low.  Currently have no positive cases in the school.  

• Fillmore County Public Health will be here tomorrow to administer vaccines for anyone interested age 5+.  Walk-ins are welcome.  

Hiawatha Valley Education District:  Hokah site will be closing. Those students will be traveling to Kellogg.  

• Spectrum in Caledonia will be moving - more to come.
• Tandeski Center will be discussed at next HVED meeting.  Possibly looking at locating all services at Tandeski Center.

Southeast Service Cooperative:  Next meeting will be tomorrow night.  Jason will attend and report back next month.  

• Staff will be staying with PEIP plan this year, as they are still in contract.  Will revisit.  

PreK-12 Principal Report:  - Wrapping up Parent/Teacher conferences tonight. 

• Congrats to Fall athletes.  This was the 24th year in a row VB team was named Conference Champions.  Dawson Kleiboer was first male in Conference for Trap Shooting; Saijal Slafter was first female in Conference and third in the state.  
• Good luck to Winter teams as they start their seasons.  
• Title One Night and Fall Athletic Awards Night will be held next Monday.
• Elementary Christmas Program is scheduled for December 2nd.
• Activities for students passing classes at the end of Quarter 1 included Pinball, music concert, dress-up Halloween parade and costume contest.  Students enjoyed these activities.  
• Mrs. Hollar received grant from AAA, will be used for Bike Rodeo.
• PreK-12 grade teachers met to discuss new math curriculum, hoping to make a decision by the new year.  
• Looking at incorporating a Soft Skills Curriculum (examples including classes teaching students how to properly send emails and phone edicate) into students’ Flex period.
• Turkey Bingo will be held this Saturday at 6pm in the high school gym.  The 6th-9th grade classes are putting this on to raise money for Eagle Bluff trip and Ski Trip.  

Superintendent Report: Congratulations to Lonnie Morken as he was awarded Section 1 Coach of the Year.  

• Joint City Council/School Board meeting will be held tomorrow night November 17th at 6pm in the school Media Center.  
• Calendar changes that were approved at the last board meeting for the upcoming school year have been put on a tentative hold until bids are available for viewing, due to pricing and material availability.  
• LaCrescent School has reached out to Gary asking him to fill in as part-time Superintendent until the position is filled.  He will be sworn in tomorrow night at LaCrescent’s board meeting.  Gary plans to keep his current schedule here at M-C, and fill in at LaCrescent on Mondays and Fridays.  
• Spring Grove Superintendent has asked for a 90 day sabbatical, and is working with SSC on this.  

Resolution Supporting Application for MSHSL Foundation: Motion by Marquardt, second by Wilder and carried unanimously, to approve.

World’s Best Work Force Summary Report: discussion held.  Michelle reported results.  No action was needed.  

Winter Coaches/Volunteers List: Motion by Miller, second by Livingood and carried unanimously, to approve, with Wilder abstaining.

School Management Services Renewal Contract for Three Years for Payroll Services: Motion by Tollefsrud, second by Wilder and carried unanimously, to approve.

Return to School Plan for 2021-22 Update: discussion held.  No action was taken.  

Future Meeting and Calendar Updates:

1. November 17, 2021; Joint City Council/School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
2. December 21, 2021; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
3. January 18, 2022; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
4. February 15, 2022; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
5. March 15, 2022; School Board meeting, 6:00pm

Adjournment:  Motion by Miller, second by Livingood and carried unanimously to adjourn at 6:45 pm. 

Jason Marquardt, Clerk___________________________________