School Board Regular Meeting Minutes

February 20, 2024

The Board of Education of Independent School District #238 met on Tuesday, February 20th, 2024 at 6:00 pm in Science Room #50 at the Mabel-Canton School, Mabel, MN. 

Members present in person: Diane Wilder, Jason Marquardt, Chris Miller, Traci Livingood, Mark Weidemann, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Student Representative Rachelle Tollefsrud

Also present in person: Principal Weidemann, District Secretary Lisa Halverson, Wanda Hansen (Fillmore County Journal), Stephanie Morken, Lonnie Morken at 6:19

No guests were present via visible-audible technology. 

Members absent:  Cristal Adkins, Dustin Tollefsrud

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

Motion by Jason Marquardt, second by Diane Wilder and carried unanimously, to approve the Agenda with no changes being made. 

Motion by Diane Wilder, second by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously, to approve the January 16, 2024 and January 17, 2024 minutes. 

Mr. Kuphal handed out certificates of appreciation to all board members thanking them for all they do for Mabel-Canton School.

Consent Agenda: Motion by Mark Weidemann, second by Jason Marquardt with Diane Wilder abstaining and carried unanimously,  to approve the following:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

A.  2023-24 Budget

B.  Claims Report

C.  Hire Adam Wilder as Jr. High Baseball Coach

D.   Resignation - Sandy Benson Special Education Paraprofessional

Reports:

1. Student Representatives:

• Congratulations to Kinely Soiney on her 1,000 career point in Basketball!
• Student Council raised $1,200 for Callie Tweten’s family during Hat Day last week.
• MC/SG Girls basketball playoffs start this week.
• This week will wrap up the MC Boys basketball regular season.
• 6th-9th grades recently attended the Welch Village ski trip.
• Congratulations to Cayden Tollefsrud on his 2,000 career basketball point!

2. Committees:

• World’s Best Workforce- no report
• Curriculum Review- no report 
• Facilities and Capital Outlay - meeting next Wednesday at 5pm to continue process
• Policy Committee- will have more policies at next month’s meeting for 1st reading
• COVID-19 Committee- no report
• Hiawatha Valley Education District-Diane shared a handout with information that she received.
• Southeast Service Cooperative- Jason shared information on upcoming events.

3. PreK-12 Principal

- Anna Wheat is no longer at MC.  There will be two seniors filling in for School Board Student Representatives for the remainder of the school year.

-     MC hosted our 2nd Dream Job event last week.  9th-12th grade students from MC, SG, Caledonia and Houston were in attendance.  A survey will be sent out to all students who attended to hear their feedback.

-     FFA week this week - dress up days each day, petting zoo on Wednesday, Ag Olympics on Friday

-   Good luck to the boys and girls basketball teams as they head into playoffs!

-   6th grade will be leaving for Eagle Bluff tomorrow, returning Friday.   

4. Superintendent

• HVED purchase of Winona Mall is moving slower than anticipated - now expected to move in for the 2025-26 school year
• MC/Decorah Agreement update:  Decorah once again declined to meet with MC School Board.  Mr. Kuphal has an upcoming meeting with the MDE School Attorney to learn what options are for families involved.  
• MC & SG Admin recently met regarding small class sizes and options for sharing staff and/or classes.  Mr. Kuphal will follow up when more information is available.  

 Items for Action and/or Discussion

A.  Softball Coaches & Volunteers - Motion to approve by Mark Weidemann, second by Diane Wilder, and carried unanimously.

Baseball Coaches & Volunteers - Motion to approve by Mark Weidemann, second by Jason Marquardt with Diane Wilder abstaining, and carried unanimously.  

Spring Trap Coaches & Volunteers - Motion to approve by Mark Weidemann, second by Diane Wilder with Jason Marquardt abstaining, and carried unanimously.  

B.   Football & Baseball Fundraiser - Motion to approve by Diane Wilder, second by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously.

C.  Lonnie Morken informed the board that due to large numbers of 7th and 8th grade boys interested in baseball this Spring, 6th graders are not needed to make a team this year.  This will only affect baseball, and does not affect 6th grade girls interested in softball.   

Adjournment: Motion by Diane Wilder, second by Traci Livingood, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:26 pm. 

Future Meeting and Calendar Updates

1. March 19, 2024; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
2. April 16, 2024; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
3. May 21, 2024; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm

Jason Marquardt, Clerk ________________________________________________________