Joint City Council/School Board Meeting Minutes

September 21, 2022

The Board of Education of Independent School District #238 met with City Councils of Mabel and Canton on Tuesday, September 21st, 2022 at 6:00 pm in Science Room #50.

Mabel-Canton School Board Members present in person: Chris Miller, Diane Wilder, Mark Weidemann, Jason Marquardt, Superintendent Kuphal

Mabel City Council Members present in person: Cory Wilson, Karen Larson

Canton City Council Members present in person: Carl Ernst, Cristy Ziegler

Members present via visible-audible technology: School Board Member Traci Livingood

Also present in person: Principal Weidemann

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

Motion by Diane Wilder, second by Mark Wiedemann, and carried unanimously, to approve the agenda.

School Reports

• Redefining Ready:
  •  Gary Kuphal passed out information and explained that it is a national project.  Gary gave a list of schools in SE MN involved in this program.  
  • Michelle Weidemann explained the breakdown for each category.  The school will be looking for students to do community service.  
  • Data is tracked over all four years of high school.  
  • Discussion was held on a “Dream Job” Career fair being planned for our community.  
  • The group talked about community service projects.  
• Strategic Planning: 
  • Gary explained how the school is working with MSBA on this process.  
  • He also explained that the school groups involved are students, staff, School Board, Administration, and community groups of 4-8 community members.  
  • Looking for businesses, Ag, City, people over 50, parents.
  • Wednesday, October 5th listening sessions for these groups.
  • Gail Gilman will gather the data and send out surveys to the community.

-     Improvements to the School from Bond:

• Areas that were improved were listed during the meeting: HVAC and new windows throughout, new blinds, many areas new flooring, asbestos abutment, new lights and ceiling and painting, roofs redone, flashing, awnings, new signs, new concession stand, new gym floor and bleachers, new stage curtain, updating seating, new picnic tables, LED lighting, new water heater, new stair tread, some new concrete, new chain link fence, new lockers, remodeled restrooms, new playground equipment, upgraded electric transformer, parking lot and driveways. 
• Getting new phone system, new camera system with 50 cameras, new PA system at football field, new stage lighting and sound system, all school PA system, new score board in gym with shot clock, new basketball hoops.

-     Mabel-Canton School Board has three seats up for election this year.  

Mabel City Council Reports: 

• New Mayor and two open seats
• Mabel had a digital sign donated

Canton City Council Report:

• Canton will have four seats turnover

Adjournment:  Motion by Jason Marquardt, second by Diane Wilder, and carried unanimously to adjourn.

Jason Marquardt, Clerk___________________________________