April 15, 2025 

Regular School Board Meeting

The Board of Education of Independent School District #238 met on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 6:00 pm in Science Room #50.

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

Also present in person: Principal Michelle Weidemann, District Secretary Lisa Halverson, Charlene Selbee, Troy Soiney, Trisha Soiney, Kinley Soiney, Adam Wilder, Heather Wilder, Pam Rasmussen, Jon Wangsness, Tessia Wangsness, Lonnie Morken, Greg Turner, Nicky Eiken, Blaine Storlie, Jeff Rein, Kylie Hammel, Siri Konkel, Carlie Halverson

Present via visible-audible technology: Jason Marquardt, Traci Livingood, Tiffany Sweeney, Taylor Elton, Heather Kleiboer

Members absent: 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 Diane Wilder, second by Mark Weidemann and carried unanimously, to approve the agenda.

Motion by Traci Livingood, second by Diane Wilder and carried unanimously, to approve the March 18, 2025 regular meeting minutes and special meeting minutes.  

Consent Agenda:  Motion by Mark Weidemann, second by Dustin Tollefsrud and carried unanimously, to approve the following, with many thanks to Katie Farnen:

A.  2024-25 Budget

B.  Claims Report

C.  Resignation as Special Education Teacher from Katie Farnen

D.  Hire Ben Mohs as Assistant Varsity Football Coach

Reports: 

1. Student Representative Rachelle is on the senior class trip, so no report was given.

2. Committees:

• World’s Best Workforce - Note name change: Comprehensive Achievement & Civic Readiness
• 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 - Construction is moving along.  Diane asked everyone to keep an employee from HVED in their thoughts following a tragic house fire.
• Southeast Service Cooperative - No report. 

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

• Senior Class Trip
• National Honor Society Induction & Scholarship Presentations - April 30th
• FFA Banquet
• Graduation - May 30th 7pm
• MCA Testing
• OLA - Science/Reading Teacher Training 

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

• Teachers will be presenting their negotiation proposal with the Negotiation Committee next Wednesday.  
  • An MDE planned food service audit was held today - results are expected to be received in the next 7-10 days. 
• The Fire Marshal plans to visit next week.

Enrollment was reviewed.  

Items for Action and/or Discussion

A.   Motion by Dustin Tollefsrud, seconded by Diane Wilder and carried unanimously by roll call vote to approve the Resolution Canvassing Returns of Votes of School District Special Election.  Many thanks to all who helped make the voting process a success.  

B.   Motion by Diane Wilder, seconded by Mark Weidemann and carried unanimously to renew the girls basketball coop agreement with Spring Grove for one more year, with the intent to bring the program back to M-C the 26-27 school year.    

C.   Motion by Mark Weidemann, seconded by Dustin Tollefsrud and carried unanimously to renew the Cooperative Sports Agreement with Lanesboro for Track and Boys Golf.  Motion by Diane Wilder, seconded by Mark Weidemann and carried unanimously to renew the Cooperative Sports Agreement with Fillmore Central for Wrestling.   

D.   Motion by Diane Wilder, seconded by Dustin Tollefsrud and carried unanimously to add a .4 FTE Literacy Coach / Instructional Coach position for the 2025-26 school year.  This is a state mandate with an August 30, 2025 deadline.      

5. Mark Weidemann and Dustin Tollefsrud agreed to hand out diplomas at graduation.  No motion was made.
6. Motion by Dustin Tollefsrud, seconded by Diane Wilder and carried unanimously by roll call vote to approve the Resolution Discontinuing and Reducing Educational Program and Positions with a 1.2 FTE reduction. 

Adjournment:  Motion by Dustin Tollefsrud, second by Diane Wilder, and carried unanimously to adjourn at 7:04 pm. 

Future Meeting and Calendar Updates:

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

Jason Marquardt, Clerk___________________________________