School Board Regular Meeting Minutes

February 15 2022

The Board of Education of Independent School District #238 met on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 6:00 pm in the Media Center.

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

Also present in person: Principal Weidemann, District Secretary Lisa Halverson, Student Representative Emily Carolan, Jill Kleckner, Tina Swenson

Others present via visible-audible technology:  Aimee Lake

Absent: Student Representative Matt McClimon 

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

Motion by Marquardt, second by Weidemann and carried unanimously, to approve the agenda as written.  

Motion by Tollefsrud, second by Livingood and carried unanimously, to approve the January 18, 2022 minutes.  

Tina Swenson presented to the board the math and literacy activities she was able to purchase for her classroom with the $200 mini grant she received from the Mabel Lions.  Thank you to the Mabel Lions!

Consent Agenda:  Motion by Tollefsrud, second by Weidemann and carried unanimously, to approve the following, with a special thank you for the donations:  

1. 2021-22 Budget
2. Claims Report
3. Donations:  

• Dave Swenson/M-C Endowment Fund donated $575 to be used anywhere it’s needed
• Dakota Johnson Insurance Agency donated water for concessions for all VB and BKB home games
• Lance Rasmussen/SED Mutton Busting donated $100 to the M-C Cheerleaders
• Lance Rasmussen/SED Mutton Busting donated $200 to the M-C FFA
• Bernard Bus Service donated use of a bus to/from Spring Grove movie theater on Qtr 2 Reward Day
• Mabel Lions donated $600 for 7-12 grade movie theater admission on Qtr 2 Reward Day
• Garness Trinity Church donated $100 worth of Gloves and Hats for students in need

Student Report: 

• Knowledge Bowl has been busy competing the last couple weeks.  
• Flower & sucker sales were successful- able to pay DJ for upcoming dance and still make a profit.  
• Winterfest dress up days start tomorrow and go through the end of the week.
• Winter semi-formal dance will be held this Saturday at the Community Center 7:30-11:30
• Thank you to the Booster Club for donating snacks and drinks for the dance!
• Thank you to the Mabel Community Center for donating their space for the dance!
• This year’s senior class was the top selling class for senior raffle tickets.  

Committee Reports:

World’s Best Workforce Committee: currently working on establishing goals.

Facilities and Capital Outlay:  IEA did a walk through today with four companies for asbestos bids - will open bids next Tuesday at 1:00.

SSC Committee:  meeting next Wednesday.  Jason was appointed last week to the Finance Committee and MHC Board.

Principal Report:

• Today was the 100th day of school - elementary classes had fun dressing up.
• Winterfest starts tomorrow.
• FFA Week and Dr. Seuss Week will be coming up
• 6th-9th grades attended the Welch Village ski trip last Wednesday and really enjoyed themselves.  Thank you to the Booster Club for donating money to cover the cost of the second bus.
• Drama Club presented the play “Selfie” for the 7th-12th grade students.  They did a great job!
• Parent/Teacher conferences will be held March 3rd and March 8th 3:30-7:30pm.
• Approaching the end of Winter season sports - good luck to all teams at tournament play!
• Mr. Tollefsrud took 9 Juniors and Seniors to the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds to attend a trades fair today.

Superintendent Report:  

• Gary apologized for not having a board report prepared for tonight’s meeting.  The board was understanding of the current circumstances.  

Enrollment was reviewed.

Items for Action and/or Discussion:

1. Motion by Weidemann, second by Wilder and carried unanimously, to approve the 2021-22 revised budget.
2. The Pay Equity Report was brought to the board last month, and errors were found regarding staff genders.  These errors cannot be changed, but they do not impact the overall outcome of the report.   Motion by Miller, second by Tollefsrud and curried unanimously, to approve the Pay Equity Report.  
3. The Policy Committee is working on reviewing and updating the following policies:

• 208- Development, Adoption, and Implementation of Policies
• 410- Family and Medical Leave Policy
• 413- Harassment and Violence
• 414- Mandated Reporting of Child Neglect or Physical or Sexual Abuse
• 415- Mandated Reporting of Maltreatment of Vulnerable Adults
• 506- Student Discipline
• 514- Bullying Prohibition Policy
• 522- Student Sex Nondiscimination
• 524- Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy
• 616- School District System Accountability
• 806- Crisis Management Policy

Gary will send these policies out to the board.  The committee will bring it back to the next meeting for second reading.  

4. Motion by Marquardt, second by Wilder and carried unanimously, to approve the resolution directing the Administration to make recommendations to reductions in programs, staffing and reasons therein.  
5. No changes or action to the Return to School Plan at this time.      
6. Looking at options for the 2022-23 Superintendent position.  No final decision has been made.  Superintendent Kuphal agreed to stay on 2 days/week next school year if the position has not been filled by then.  Miller thanked Superintendent Kuphal for his preparedness when going into the committee meetings and willingness to look at all options.  The board agreed and shared their appreciation as well.                                                              

Future Meeting and Calendar Updates:

1. March 15, 2022; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
2. April 19, 2022; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
3. May 17, 2022; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm

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

Jason Marquardt, Clerk___________________________________