School Board Regular Meeting Minutes

April 18, 2023

The Board of Education of Independent School District #238 met on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 at 6:00 pm in Science Room #50.

Members present in person: Adkins, Weidemann, Tollefsrud, Wilder, Miller, Livingood, Superintendent Kuphal and Student Representative Matthew McClimon 

Also present in person: Principal Weidemann, District Secretary Lisa Halverson, Charlene Selbee with Fillmore County Journal, Pam Rasmussen, Heather Wilder

Members absent: Marquardt, Student Representative Anna Wheat   

The meeting was called to order by Chair Adkins at 6:01 pm.  The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Motion by Wilder, second by Weidemann and carried unanimously, to approve the revised agenda.

Motion by Miller, second by Tollefsrud and carried unanimously, to approve the March 21, 2023 minutes.

Consent Agenda:  Motion by Wilder, second by Livingood and carried unanimously, to approve the following, with many thanks for all the donation:

A.  2021-22 Budget

B.  Claims Report

C.  Donations:

• $25 from Anonymous Donor to M-C Choir department in memory of LaDonna Brenno

D.  Resignation from Jodi Wagner, Paraprofessional

E.  Approve Brad Darling as Softball Volunteer 

Reports 

1. Student Representative:

• Senior Trip was fun and very interesting.  Mr. Wyffels made a great tour guide.
• Prom is coming up - May 6th.

2. Committees:

• World’s Best Workforce -No Report
• Curriculum Review - No Report
• Facilities and Capital Outlay - Meet next Wednesday- will have recommendation at next School Board meeting.  
• Policy Committee - No Report
• COVID-19 Committee - No report.  
• Hiawatha Valley Education District -  Still pursuing Winona mall to consolidate all HVED locations.  
• Southeast Service Cooperative - No Report 

3. PreK-12 Principal - 

• Thank you to Collins Aerospace for hosting three M-C 8th graders to tour their facility and learn more about STEM.
• Discussion held on upcoming teacher and para postings.
• A survey will be going out to families in the near future  regarding interest in Summer SAC.  Michelle will talk with staff about interest in running the program.  
• VIP Program will be next Thursday, April 27th at 1:30.
• Good luck to Small Group Band and Choir who perform on Thursday. 

4. Superintendent - 

• Discussion was held on the Decorah/Mabel-Canton agreement.  Iowa families received a letter in the mail stating the Decorah Superintendent will be recommending to their School Board they not extend the agreement that ends June 30, 2024.  Gary is looking into options for these students to continue to attend M-C.  Gary plans to meet with the families affected by this agreement and then meet with the Decorah Superintendent.    
• The Negotiations Committee and Teachers have made a tentative agreement.  This will be brought to the School Board next month for a final approval.  
• Gave gave a Legislature update stating the Education Bill is in process and has a closing date of May 22nd.  
• M-C just had their 11th snow day this week, but due to still being compliant to hours required, there is no need to add another student day to the calendar.  Staff will be required to make it up or use PTO.

Items for Action and/or Discussion

A.  Motion by Wilder, second by Livingood and carried unanimously, to approve Policy 535, Service Animals in Schools, 2nd Reading.  

B.  Motion by Weidemann, second by Wilder and carried unanimously with Livingood abstaining from the vote, to approve Non-Certified working agreements for 2023-24 and 2024-25.  

C.  Chris Miller and Diane Wilder agreed to hand out diplomas at Graduation this year.  

D.  Motion by Wilder, second by Weidemann and carried unanimously, to approve the Resolution Placing a Continuing Contract/Tenured Teacher on Unrequested Leave of Absence with changes noted.  

Future Meeting and Calendar Updates:

1. May 16, 2023; School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm
2. June 20, 2023; School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm
3. July 18, 2023; School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm

Adjournment:  Motion by Miller, second by Livingood, and carried unanimously to adjourn at 6:50 pm. 

Jason Marquardt, Clerk___________________________________