Joint School Board/City Council Meeting Minutes

September 23, 2020

The Board of Education of Independent School District #238, Canton City Council and Mabel City Council met on Tuesday, September 23, 2020 at 6:00 pm in the Media Center.

Members present in person: Traci Livingood, Chris Miller, Diane Wilder

Other board members present via visual and audible technology: Jason Marquardt and Dustin Tollefsrud

Absent School Board Members: Mark Weidemann and Cristal Adkins

Also present in person:  Principal Michelle Weidemann and Superintendent Gary Kuphal

Canton City Council Board Members Present: Donivee Johnson, Charlie Warner, and Brock Bergey

Mabel City Council Members Present: Karen Larson and Adam Wilder

1. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Chris Miller at 6:00 pm.

2. The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

3. Agenda Changes/Additions: Motion by Diane Wilder, second by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously, to approve the Agenda Changes/Additions.  

4. Items for Action or Discussion:

Superintendent Kuphal began the meeting by welcoming those present and stating that this is the third summer that the two city councils and M-C School Board have held a joint meeting to discuss work on various projects. 

Kuphal said he had three main topics to discuss:

1) the upcoming referendums that will be included on the ballot when voting takes place November 3, 2020. 

2) the long term facility outlay.

3) topics related to covid-19. 

Brock Bergey mentioned that although no specific agenda items to share, the Canton City Council has verbally discussed various necessary projects such as streets, infrastructure, housing and other important needs, but that to date they've just shared ideas and talked.  Thus far nothing has been put on paper, but getting things in writing will soon need to take place so that the city council can better determine how it will affect budget and planning in the future.

Karen Larson had no specific items for agenda discussion in relation to the Mabel City Council. 

Kuphal then discussed the following items pertaining to Mabel-Canton School District:

Three years ago the school formed a facilities and capital outlay committee that evaluated the school's condition and operating needs.  Kuphal distributed a one page document to each attendee with listed information for long-term facilities maintenance and capital outlay, which he reviewed and explained in detail. 

Kuphal then discussed the fall 2020 return to school plan in relation to Covid-19, at which time he outlined and explained the three scenarios that were developed, as well as how things may look if and when the number of covid cases change as this school year continues.

Principal Weidemann then shared that even with all the Covid changes, everyone is excited to be back in school - kids and teachers alike.  

She stated that mask wearing is going better than expected; however social distancing is not quite as easy because it's a natural thing for people to tend to gather - so that has been a challenge, but that each day gets better as the students and staff get used to all the changes.

There are eight students who are involved in distance learning from home and that seems to be going well also. 

Weidemann stated that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is now providing free breakfast and lunch to all students, through December 31, 2020 or until funding runs out. 

Overall everyone is happy to be back in the building.

Principal Weidemann asked Adam Wilder if he had anything to add, being as he is a teacher.  Wilder commented that school and distance learning seem to be going well, although the teachers who have students in distance learning do have the extra work load, so it's probably proving to be a more challenging start to the school year for those teachers.  But overall things seem good.

Superintendent Kuphal then discussed the bond referendum (as it relates to repair of the school), and the  participation rate on the survey which was sent to all residents who reside in the school district.  He distributed a two-page document to all those present, which outlined details about critical needs for the school building and related costs, such as replacement of the HVAC system, updating of electrical and plumbing systems, repair of stucco and masonry, replacement of roof sections and all windows, etc.

Voters in this district will be asked three questions on the upcoming ballot November 3, 2020.  Question 1 will address the operating referendum.  Question 2 ($5,825,000) and question 3 ($780,000), are in reference to the facility improvement bond referendum.  

Kuphal then discussed the operating referendum - which is money that the school district can use to cover operations on a daily basis. If voters approve the operating levy, it is projected that there will be no increase in taxes for district residents.

Four years ago, voters approved an operating referendum which sits at approximtely $400 per student, and this referendum will continue for six more years.   

Nine years ago, voters approved an operating referendum for $803.10 per pupil.  An operating referendum is good for ten years, so because this specific operating referendum is close to expiration, it will be included on the November 3, 2020, ballot for renewal.  We are asking that residents extend this particular operating referendum that is now in place.  Agan, there will be no increase to taxes to approve continuation of this specific operating referendum.

As for the bond referendum, there is a tax calculator on the Mabel-Canton website so residents can insert the value of their home (taken off their tax statement) and get a more accurate number as to what their increase in property taxes would be, should the bond referendum for building repairs be approved by the voters.

As a district, we cannot promote the bond referendum, so a "vote yes" committee would help a great deal.  Karen Larson, Mabel City Clerk, has volunteered to assist with formation of that committee.  If you are not part of the school district and feel compelled to help, residents of the school district are encouraged to join this "vote yes" committee.  Likewise, there could also be a "vote no" committee, should anyone show interest in forming one. 

There are two meetings scheduled for the first week of October  wherein Superintendent Kuphal will be attending only as a resource person to answer questions and provide information so that voters have the opportunity to be well-informed on these referendum issues prior to November 3rd.  Construction managers, architects and other experts from Minneapolis will be in attendance at both meetings as well, to provide details and answer questions.  The first meeting is Monday October 5, 2020 at the Canton Town Hall and the second is Tuesday October 6, 2020 at the Mabel Community Center.  Both events begin at 6:00 pm. 

Kuphal also asked if the City Council of Canton and the City Council of Mabel would please consider publicly endorsing both referendums.  Brock Bergey and Karen Larson said they would discuss the possibility of an endorsement with their respective city council members at the next meeting, which for both Mabel and Canton is on Wednesday, October 14th.  

Kuphal also offered his services of providing information and answering questions at any upcoming meetings or events in the area, whether it be city council, church groups, lions club, fireman department meetings, or any other event where people who reside in the Mabel-Canton school district are gathered.  The more information provided to voters prior to November 3, the better chance we may have of successful passage of both referendums.    

Chris Miller thanked all for participating in tonight's joint meeting of the school board and the two city councils of Mabel and Canton.  Miller also thanked Superintendent Kuphal for all of the detailed information he provided. 

XI. Adjournment:  Motion by Traci Livingood, second by Diane Wilder and carried unanimously to adjourn at 7:36 pm. 

Traci Livingood, Clerk___________________________________