School Board Regular Meeting Minutes

August 20th, 2024

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

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

Also present in person: Principal Weidemann, District Secretary Lisa Halverson, Charlene Selbee (Fillmore County Journal), Aimee Lake, Paul Tollefsrud, Carlena Gallagher, Adam Wilder, Chad Pike with Kraus-Anderson, Jodi Zesbaugh with Ehlers

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

Motion by Jason Marquardt, second by Mark Weidemann and carried unanimously, to approve the revised agenda for tonight’s meeting, adding the following:

• Resignation from Sadie Morken as Preschool Classroom Paraprofessional to Consent Agenda
• B.  Policy 524 Internet, Technology, and Cell Phone Acceptable Use and Safety Policy, 1st Reading - DISCUSSION

Motion by Chris Miller, second by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously, to approve the July 16th, 2024 minutes. 

Motion by Diane Wilder, second by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously to approve the Consent Agenda with many thanks for the donations:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

A.  2023-24 Budget

B.  Claims Report

C.  Donations:

• $1,000 from Hanson Glasrud Memorial to go toward M-C Crows Nest
• $500 from Mike Wilder - American Legion to be used anyway the school sees fit
• $1,000 from Joanne Hosting for baseball helmets, catchers gear, new bat

D.  Hire Blaine Storlie as Varsity Assistant Football Coach

E.  Hire Maddie Henry as Varsity Assistant Volleyball Coach

F.  Hire Trisha Ryan as Varsity Assistant Softball Coach

Reports:

Student Representatives gave updates on the following topics:

• Nothing to report.

Committees:

• Curriculum: Science curriculum was given to teachers today.  Socials Studies and History will be next year.

PreK-12 Principal

- Back-to-School night is next Wednesday.  

- Thank you to area churches for all the donated school supplies!

- Sports eligibility meetings were held the last two weeks.

- Regular season games start next week.

- Nicky Eiken will be team-teaching 1st and 4th grades this year, unless class numbers increase.

Superintendent

• School Board has four open positions, with applicants.  Will most likely have write-in candidates.
• Thank you to Cristal Adkins for all her years of service on the board!
• Gary is working with a state agency to write a request for proposal.

 Items for Action and/or Discussion:

A.  Potential Bond Referendum:

- Chad Pike shared a spreadsheet with planning options, preliminary costs, and a timeline for these potential projects.  

• A community survey will be available to be completed mid September through early October.  Results will be discussed at the October school board meeting. 
• Another community meeting is scheduled for September 25th.
• The board must decide if they plan to move forward with the bond referendum by November 19th.  This is the deadline to submit Review and Comment to MDE.  
• Jodi Zesbaugh shared a timeline and expected tax increases if agreed upon to move forward.  
• Home/land owners can look up specific tax rate increase calculations by emailing Ehlers or visiting their website.  This link will be added to the schools website early 2025.

B.  Policy 524 Internet, Technology, and Cell Phone Acceptable Use and Safety Policy, 1st Reading:

• Cell Phone policy was added.  Will be brought back next month for 2nd reading.

Adjournment: Motion by Jason Marquardt, second by Traci Livingood, and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:02 pm. 

Future Meeting and Calendar Updates

1. September 17, 2024; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
2. October 15, 2024; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm
3. November 19, 2024; School Board Meeting, 6:00pm

Jason Marquardt, Clerk ________________________________________________________