February 18, 2025 

Regular School Board Meeting

The Board of Education of Independent School District #238 met on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 6:00 pm in Science Room #50.

Members present in person: Jason Marquardt, Chris Miller, Amber Tripp, Traci Livingood, Mark Weidemann, Superintendent Gary Kuphal

Also present in person: Principal Michelle Weidemann, District Secretary Lisa Halverson, Charlene Selbee, Sam Farnen

Present via visible-audible technology: Tyler Augedahl

Members absent: Dustin Tollefsrud, Diane Wilder, Student Representative Rachelle 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 Traci Livingood and carried unanimously, to approve the agenda.

Motion by Mark Weidemann, second byTraci Livingood and carried unanimously, to approve the January 21, 2025 minutes.  

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

A.  2024-25 Budget

B.  Claims Report

C.  Donations:

• $5,000 donated by Joanne Hosting in memory of Mike Hosting to be used for the 2025 senior class trip
• $500 donated by an anonymous donor to be used for the Special Milk program

Reports: 

1. Student - absent

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 - No report.
• Southeast Service Cooperative - No report.  

3. PreK-12 Principal - 

•  Dream Job event went well - 163 students/26 professionals attended
• Started working on class scheduling for next school year
• 6th grade attends Eagle Bluff field trip this Wednesday-Friday
• Winter sports are wrapping up - good luck to all teams at playoffs!

4. Superintendent - 

• Board members were instructed to no longer use personal email accounts for school board related topics.
• Gary will keep the board updated if any federal funding should become defunded.
• Gary attended the recent Legislative meeting hosted by Cannon Falls this year.  He said this is a meeting where area Superintendents can attend to share any concerns.  He noted it was not well attended by Legislators.  
• Gary reminded the board of the Bond Referendum Informational meeting tomorrow night at 6pm at the Canton Town Hall.  The next meeting will be March 11th at the M-C School.  
• There have not been any decisions made regarding the Girls Basketball program for next year.  A meeting will be held with current players, parents, Lonnie Morken-A.D., Michelle Weidemann, and Gary Kuphal to discuss options.  This will be brought back to the board with a recommendation.
• Amber, Michelle, and Gary attended the Negotiations Seminar last week.  

Enrollment was reviewed.  

Items for Action and/or Discussion

A.   Motion by Mark Weidemann, seconded by Traci Livingood with Jason Marquardt abstaining and carried unanimously to approve the 2025 Spring Coaches. 

B.   Motion by Mark Weidemann, seconded by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously to hire Ben Mohs as Social Worker.      

C.   Motion by Jason Marquardt, seconded by Mark Weidemann and carried unanimously by roll call vote, to adopt the Resolution Appointing Election Judges for the April 8, 2025 School District Special Election.  

D. Motion by Mark Weidemann, seconded by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously to approve the MDE Review and Comment on Building Project.    

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

Future Meeting and Calendar Updates:

1. February 19, 2025; Bond Referendum Informational Meeting, 6:00 pm Canton Town Hall
2. March 11, 2025; Bond Referendum Informational Meeting, 6:00 Mabel-Canton School
3. March 18, 2025; School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm
4. April 15, 2025; School Board meeting, 6:00 pm
5. May 20, 2025; School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm

Jason Marquardt, Clerk___________________________________