School Board Regular Meeting Minutes

April 16, 2024

The Board of Education of Independent School District #238 met on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 at 6:00 pm in Science Room #50 at the Mabel-Canton School, Mabel, MN. 

Members present in person: Traci Livingood, Dustin Tollefsrud, Diane Wilder, Chris Miller, Mark Weidemann, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Student Representatives Rachelle Tollefsrud and Izabella Gerleman

Also present in person: Principal Weidemann, District Secretary Lisa Halverson, Charlene Selbee (Fillmore County Journal), Laura Horihan, Pam Rasmussen

Members absent:  Cristal Adkins, Jason Marquardt

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

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

Motion by Dustin Tollefsrud, second by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously, to approve the March 19, 2024 minutes. 

Consent Agenda: Motion by Mark Weidemann, second by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously,  to approve the following with many thanks to Jordan Nelson:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

A.  2023-24 Budget

B.  Claims Report

C.  Resignation - Jordan Nelson as Junior Class Advisor

Reports:

1. Student Representatives gave updates on the following topics:

• Senior Class Trip
• Band/Choir Small Group this Thursday
• MCA Testing
• ACT Testing
• FFA Banquet April 25th 6:30 pm
• Band/Choir trip to Lion King at the Orpheum April 24th
• Hat Day for Anthony McCabe
• Turkey Dinner

2. Committees:

• HVED - Closing date on Winona Mall is today 4/16/24.  Businesses will be notified to vacate.  Looking to hire Facilities Manager.

3. PreK-12 Principal

- Staff Development approved the proposed 3 days for READ Act.  Michelle will share the updated calendar.       

-  Working on planning Inservice for Fall.

- Thank you to Rockwell Collins for hosting three of our 8th grade students at their STEM event.

- VIP Day April 25, 2024 - NO Spring book fair this year

- Thank you to Doug Wyffels, Susie Munroe, Laura Hosting for all their help with the senior class trip.  Thank you to the seniors for making it a good experience.  

4. Superintendent

• High decibel levels in elementary gym acoustics will be checked next week.
• Upcoming meeting with MiEnergy and City of Mabel regarding solar panels.
• MDE continues to work with Gary in attempt to contact the Iowa Department of Public Instruction, with no response from them.  Gary will plan one more meeting with Iowa families to discuss options.
• If approved, money may be available from the State Legislature to help pay teacher stipends for READ Act.  

 Items for Action and/or Discussion

A.  Mark Weidemann and Dustin Tollefsrud have agreed to present diplomas at Graduation.

B.   Motion by Diane Wilder, seconded by Mark Weidemann and carried unanimously to contribute $1,000 towards another coach for Football, Volleyball, Boys Basketball, Baseball, and Softball starting 24-25 school year.

C.  Motion by Diane Wilder, seconded by Mark Weidemann to renew 2024-25 Cooperative Sports Agreements with Fillmore Central for Wrestling and with Lanesboro for Track and Boys Golf. 

D.  Motion by Diane Wilder, seconded by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously to accept Facilities Committee recommendations for Capital Outlay and LTFM Projects for 2024-25, with many thanks to committee members for their work.

5. Motion by Diane Wilder, seconded by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously to approve Superintendent Contract with Gary Kuphal for 2024-25, with many thanks to Gary.
6. Gary shared a timeline of what to expect for the referendum.     

Adjournment: Motion by Diane Wilder, second by Dustin Tollefsrud, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 6:41 pm. 

Future Meeting and Calendar Updates

1. May 21, 2024; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
2. June 18, 2024; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
3. July 16, 2024; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm

Jason Marquardt, Clerk ________________________________________________________