December 17, 2024

Truth In Taxation Hearing 6:01 pm followed by Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Education of Independent School District #238 met on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 at 6:01 pm in Science Room #50.

Members present in person: Dustin Tollefsrud, Diane Wilder, Jason Marquardt, Chris Miller, Cristal Adkins, Traci Livingood

Also present in person: Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Business Manager Aimee Lake, Student Representative Rachelle Tollefsrud, District Secretary Heather Kleiboer, Charlene Selbee, Carlena Gallagher

Present via visible-audible technology: NA

Members absent:  Mark Weidemann, Principal Michelle Weidemann

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

Motion by Chris Miller, second by Jason Marquardt and carried unanimously, to approve the agenda.

Aimee Lake presented the Truth in Taxation Hearing proposing a school tax levy of $1,194,411.78.  Discussion to follow later in the meeting.

Motion by Diane Wilder, second by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously, to approve the November 13, 2024 minutes.  Motion by Traci Livingood, second by Diane Wilder and carried unanimously, to approve the Joint School Board/City Council Meeting on December 4, 2024.

Chairperson’s Announcements: Board Chair Cristal Adkins had done some research and noted that during her 20 years on the board, she had shared time with 20 different members that have served, along with 5 different Superintendents. Tonight will be her last meeting as a Mabel-Canton School Board member. She was recognized for her two decades of service with a plaque and many thanks for all of the work she has done over the years. 

Consent Agenda:  Motion by Jason Marquardt, second byTraci Livingood and carried unanimously, to approve the following, with many thanks for all the donations:

A.  2023-24 Budget

B.  Claims Report

C.  Resignation from Ben Mohs as School Social Worker 

D.  Resignation from Rosey Florian as Special Education Paraprofessional

E.  Approve Jordan Larson as JH Boys Basketball Coach and Varsity Baseball Assistant

Reports: 

1. Student -

• The SGMC girls Basketball team is doing well
• Several FFA members attended the Greenhand camp last weekend
• The High School Band & Choir had a winter concert last Monday, the Elementary performed their concert last Thursday.
• The Yearbook Committee is currently having a Candy Cane Gram fundraiser.
• Juniors will be completing the ASVAB Test tomorrow, Friday is an early dismissal. 
• This week has dress up days for the holidays and the students are participating well. 
• There will be a Hat Day Fundraiser for former student Dylan Loppnow, who is battling Cancer. The community may also donate, just send any donations to the Main Office. 
• Senior Raffle tickets are now for sale.

2. Committees:

• World’s Best Workforce - No report
• Curriculum Review - No Report
• Facilities and Capital Outlay - No report
• Policy Committee - No report.
• COVID-19 Committee - No report.
• Hiawatha Valley Education District - Classes for parents are being offered via Zoom, contact their website if you would like to register for a course.
• Southeast Service Cooperative - Their meeting is tomorrow (Wednesday) night. Last month, they met and held a Thanksgiving meal and talked about each program.

3. PreK-12 Principal - 

• No report      

4. Superintendent - 

• No report

Enrollment was reviewed.  

Items for Action and/or Discussion

A.   Motion by Chris Miller, seconded by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously with a roll call vote, to approve the final levy certification of $1,194,411.78.  

B.   Motion by Jason Marquardt, seconded by Chris Miller and carried unanimously, to approve the Solar Bid with a new negotiated price of $60,578.00. 

C.   Motion by Diane Wilder, seconded by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously, to vote for Mark Swenson as MREA Board member.

D. Motion by Diane Wilder, seconded by Dustin Tollefsrud and carried unanimously, to approve the payment of the Spring Grove Girls Basketball Invoice for the 2023-2024 Season. 

Future Meeting and Calendar Updates:

1. January 21, 2025; School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm
2. February 18, 2025; School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm
3. March 18, 2025; School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm

Adjournment:  Motion by Jason Marquardt, second by Traci Livingood, and carried unanimously to adjourn at 6:52 pm. 

Jason Marquardt, Clerk___________________________________