March 18, 2025 

Regular School Board Meeting

The Board of Education of Independent School District #238 met on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 7:30 pm in Science Room #50.

Members present in person: Jason Marquardt, Dustin Tollefsrud, Diane Wilder, Amber Tripp, Mark Weidemann, Superintendent Gary Kuphal

Also present in person: Principal Michelle Weidemann, District Secretary Lisa Halverson, Charlene Selbee, Student Representative Rachelle Tollefsrud, Stacey Wilson, Sarah Schneekloth, Lainey Hosting, Lydia Vatland, Samantha Williams

Present via visible-audible technology: Traci Livingood, Blaine Storlie

Members absent: Chris Miller

The meeting was called to order by Dustin Tollefsrud at 7:30 pm.  The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Motion by Diane Wilder, second by Mark Weidemann and carried unanimously, to approve the agenda.

Motion by Jason Marquardt, second by Diane Wilder and carried unanimously, to approve the February 18, 2025 minutes.  

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

A.  2024-25 Budget

B.  Claims Report

C.  Donations:

• $1,000 donated for Band/Choir/Drama Chanhassen trip transportation from M-C Booster Club
• $500 donated for the Special Milk Program from an anonymous donor
• $320 donated for the Archery Program from the Mabel Sportsmen’s Club

D.  Resignation as Concession Stand Supervisor from Susie Munroe

E.  Resignation as Teacher and Assistant Football Coach from Blaine Storlie

F.   Resignation as Jr. High Boys Basketball Coach from Paul Tollefsrud

G.  Hire Short-Term Testing Lab Monitor - Noelle Crawford

Reports: 

1. Student Representative Rachelle updated the board on the following topics:

• Parent/Teacher Conferences held last week
• Upcoming Track Meet & Softball Scrimmage this weekend
• Chanhassen field trip next Wednesday
• End of Quarter 3 next Friday
• ACT Testing April 8th
• Turkey Dinner this Sunday
• Sr. Class Trip April 10-18

2. Committees:

• World’s Best Workforce - No report.
• Curriculum Review - No Report.
• Facilities and Capital Outlay - will schedule a meeting soon
• Policy Committee - No report.
• COVID-19 Committee - No report.
• Hiawatha Valley Education District - No report.
• Southeast Service Cooperative - Great AI presentation at last meeting.  Jason recommends anyone interested to attend the next presentation. 

3. PreK-12 Principal Michelle Weidemann updated the board on the following topics: 

•  Large Group Band received 3 Excellents last night - Congratulations!
• MCA testing starts Monday.
• Good luck to all Spring Sports athletes and coaches.
• Currently working on 2025-26 high school schedule 
• Teachers & Staff have started mailing out “Positive Student Postcards”
• Still looking for a Full Time Custodian
• Turkey Dinner is this Sunday 10:45-12:30
• Seniors leave April 10, return April 18.

4. Superintendent Gary Kuphal updated the board on the following topics: 

• Bond Referendum meeting with various area committees
• Gary, Michelle and Lonnie will be meeting with 7-11th grade Girls Basketball players and parents to discuss future options for the program.   They plan to bring a recommendation to the board in April.

Enrollment was reviewed.  

Items for Action and/or Discussion

A.   Motion by Mark Weidemann, seconded by Traci Livingood and carried unanimously to approve the Senior Class request for days off with May 23rd being their last day of school. 

B.   Motion by Diane Wilder, seconded by Jason Marquardt and carried unanimously to approve Policy 522 - Title IX Sex Nondiscrimination Policy, 1st Reading.  Gary made the board aware of a typo in his board report stating it should have said this policy is being adopted from 2020, rather than 2022.  

C.   Motion by Diane Wilder, seconded by Mark Weidemann and carried unanimously to approve an increase in pay from $25-$40 for JH athletic game workers.       

Adjournment:  Motion by Jason Marquardt, second by Diane Wilder, and carried unanimously to adjourn at 7:50 pm. 

Future Meeting and Calendar Updates:

1. April 15, 2025; School Board meeting, 6:00 pm
2. May 20, 2025; School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm
3. June 17, 2025; School Board Meeting, 6:00 pm

Jason Marquardt, Clerk___________________________________