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Oct. 20, 2020 School Board Minutes

School Board Meeting Minutes

October 20, 2020

The Board of Education of Independent School District #238 met on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 6:00 pm in the Media Center.

 

Members present in person: Adkins, Miller, Wilder, Tollefsrud, Weidemann, Student Representative Colton Heintz-Kuderer, and Superintendent Kuphal;  

Other board members present via visual and audible technology: Livingood

Members Absent: Marquardt

Also present in person:  Principal Michelle Weidemann, District Secretary Lisa Halverson, and Kati Bergey

Others present via visible-audible technology:  Rich Wicks, Jordan Nelson

 

  1. The meeting was called to order by Chair Adkins at 6:02 pm.

 

  1. The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

 

  1. Agenda Changes/Additions: Motion by Miller, second by Weidemann and carried unanimously, to approve the revised agenda.  Motion was passed 6-0.

 

  1. Approval of Minutes: 

    1. September 15, 2020 minutes: Motion by Tollefsrud, second by Wilder and carried unanimously, to approve the September 15, 2020 minutes.  Motion was passed 6-0.

    2. September 23, 2020 minutes: Motion by Miller, second by Wilder and carried unanimously, to approve the September 23, 2020 minutes.  Motion was passed 6-0.  

 

  1. Chairperson’s Announcements: Cristal read a letter written by Melissa Miller, who could not attend in person, thanking the school board, teachers, and staff for everything that everyone is doing to keep students safely in school and other activities. Melissa is asking the board to consider staying with the most in-person plan if/when changing plans in the future.  

 

VI. Consent Agenda: Motion by Miller,  second by Weidemann and carried unanimously, to approve the following.  Motion was passed 6-0.

  1. ISD 238 Budget

1. 2020-21 Budget

2. Activity Accounts

B. Invoices

C. Electronic Fund Transfers

D. Resignation from Brady Livingood, Custodian

E. Hire Amy Drinkall, LPN for 2 hours/day

F. Donations:

  1. Booster Club - 300 masks for students

  2. Sheri Borcherding - M-C Cougar Bleacher Seat 

  3. Kelly Brenno Carpenter - 375 Lanyards for holding masks

  4. Carlena Gallagher - 60 sets of earbuds for use in computer labs & 15 volleyballs for recess 

  5. Waterloo Ridge Lutheran Church - School Supplies

                                                                                                                          .  

VII. Reports:

  1. Student Representative:  

  • Colton Heintz-Kuderer reported he feels students are split down the middle when he hears their thoughts on distance learning.  Some are ok with it, some would prefer to stay in school due to worries about technology issues at home.  Students hope teachers are understanding if there are difficulties.

  • Football was off to a rough start, but seems to be going better.  Volleyball is having a great season so far.  

  • Everyone seems to be adjusting well to wearing masks and social distancing in school.  

  1. PreK-12 Principal:  

  • Mrs. Weidemann reported the school applied for two grants.  One application was for $15,000 from the City of Mabel, and we were given $5,000.  This was used for iPads for K-3 students.  The other grant applied for was through Fillmore County and we received  just over $102,000 from them to use on devices for distance learning, and a sound system for K-12 classrooms.  Mrs. Weidemann thanked both the City of Mabel and Fillmore County for their generosity.  

  • Homecoming week is going great.  Coronation on the football field was a creative idea.  Congratulations to Homecoming King and Queen, Gavin Johnson and Kaylor Soiney.  The high school students are enjoying games during their Flex periods, and the dress up days this week.  Thursday is movie day and the Senior class vs. Junior class volleyball game.  

  • Football games and volleyball games seem to be going well with masks and social distancing, for the most part.  Most fans at football games wear masks, and we haven’t noticed any volleyball fans without masks.  Each game is live streamed for the fans who are unable to attend.   

  1. Superintendent: 

  • Mr. Kuphal reported that the referendum vote is in two weeks and feels the “Vote Yes” committee is getting lots of information out to the public.  

 

VII. Enrollment:  Enrollment was reviewed.

 

IX. Items for Action and/or Discussion:

  1. Superintendent Evaluation:  The board agreed to table this and discuss at next month’s meeting.

  2. Review and Comment from the Minnesota Department of Education: Discussion was held and Gary noted he received a positive comment from MDE.   

  3. One Hour/Day Increase in Nursing Position:  The increase to this position can be paid for by the CARES Act.  Motion by Wilder, second by Weidemann and carried unanimously, to approve the one hour/day increase through the remainder of the 20-21 school year.  Motion was passed 6-0.

  4. Set Board Meeting to Canvass Election Results:  By law, the school board is required to meet to approve results of the election by November 13th.  Motion by Miller,  second by Weidemann and carried unanimously, to schedule a special board meeting to canvas election results for Friday, November 13th at 8:00am in the office conference room.  Motion was passed 6-0.

  5. Agreement between Mabel-Canton Schools and Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center for the 2020-21 School Year:  The board agreed to table this and discuss at next month’s meeting.

  6. Review Learning Models:  Gary reported that the data he received from Fillmore County last week showed the positive COVID-19 case numbers went up into the 30’s.  Fillmore County Public Health recommended we move to Hybrid Plan B, but supported our decision to stay in Plan A.  Fillmore County expects numbers to continue to rise.  Everyone would like to stay in Hybrid Plan A at least another week, if the Incident Command Team and the Regional Support Team will allow it.  

  7. Letter to Governor Walz from St. Francis Board member:  Discussion was held.  No action was taken. 

  8. Resolutions from the cities of Mabel and Canton supporting the school district referendum:  Both cities of Mabel and Canton passed resolutions supporting the school district referendum.  Motion by Weidemann, second by Wilder and carried unanimously, to approve these resolutions.  Motion was passed 6-0. 

 

 

 X.  Future Meeting and Calendar Updates:

  1. November 13, 2020; Special School Board Meeting, 8:00am

  2. November 17, 2020; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm

  3. December 15, 2020; Truth in Taxation Hearing at 6:01pm followed immediately by the regular School Board meeting 

  4. January 19, 2021; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm

  5. February 16, 2021; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm

 

XI. Adjournment:  Motion by Weidemann, second by Wilder and carried unanimously to adjourn at 7:32 pm.  Motion was passed 6-0.

 

Traci Livingood, Clerk___________________________________


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