April 20th, 2009

April 20, 2009
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on April 20, 2009 in the Media Center of the School.  Chairman LaRue called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with members Hoff, Johnson, LaRue, Nelson, Spangler, and Wing present.  Absent:  Rylander.   Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Perry Butler, Carol Koefod, Desiree Rupp, Kelsey Risbrudt, Lauren Risbrudt, and Troy Langlie.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Mrs. Wing moved to approve the amended agenda.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Mrs. Wing moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of minutes March 23, 2009.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  March Pre-paid:  $31,951.63, March Wire Transfers:  $40,435.98, and April bills:  $84,002.07.

Mr. Hoff seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
Kelsey Risbrudt and Lauren Risbrudt presented information requesting permission for the Senior Class Trip to Itasca State Park May 15-16.  Mr. Nelson made a motion to approve the Senior Class Trip as outlined. Mr. Johnson seconded.  MCU.
 
Board Reports
Mrs. Wing gave a report on the Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop Board Meeting, Ashby Education Foundation, and Grant County Fun Festival and Expo.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• The National Honor Society Banquet will be May 7th.
• Baccalaureate and Senior Awards will be May 20th.
• April 20 – 24 is Severe Weather Awareness Week with the tornado drill to be held on Thursday.
• The Pam Liester Volleyball Tournament and Dinner Benefit is Saturday April 25th.
• Dollars for Scholars Phone-a-thon will be held April 26th.
• Public Health and Dr. Rapp will conduct a health unit for Grades 4-6 April 23rd.
• The second session of the Baseball Clinic for Grades K-6 will be May 2nd.
• The DARE class will attend a Twins Game on May 3rd.
• Grue Church will hold a smelt fry at the school on April 26th.
• Lakes Country Service Coop Honors Banquet will be attended by four seniors and their parents on May 6th.
• Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4th.
• The High School field trip to the Jane Elliott presentation attended April 13th was a disappointment.  The information received regarding the presentation was misleading.  Contacts were made with the organizers and the speaker afterward. 
• The student incident on April 17th was resolved with the parents assistance after 2 hours.
• A Law Enforcement Drug Dog search was conducted on April 20th.
• Targeted Services for the After School Program is being sought for next fall.
• Prom 2009 was a success.

 

Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Jensen reported on the following:

• Spare bus #6 oil consumption problems have been checked out and will be continued to be monitored.
• It has been indicated that the Stimulus money for Title I will flow directly to the Schools.  It should double Ashby’s allotment for FY10 an FY11.  The Stimulus money for Special Ed will more than likely be used for one time purchases due to maintenance of effort requirements.
• The last student day is Friday May 29th and the Board agreed to have an early dismissal.
• The tragic incident at the Rothsay School brings awareness.

 
Mrs. Koefod gave a report on MCA tests.  Ashby is participating in a Comparability Study on April 30th.
 
Mr. Butler gave a report on the technology requirements involved with the testing.
 
Discussion Items
The Planning Committee will meet on May 11, 2009 at 6:00 pm.
 
Action Items
Mr. Nelson introduced Resolution No. 09.06 approving membership in Minnesota State High School League for 2009-2010.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  Voting in the affirmative:  Nelson, Spangler, Johnson, Wing, Hoff, LaRue.  Voting in the negative:  none.  Resolution passed.
 
Mrs. Wing made a motion to approve the 2009-2010 calendar.  Mr. Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to approve the Educational Leadership course of study for Mrs. Koefod.  Mr. Johnson seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Spangler made a motion to move to closed session for probationary personnel evaluations for Dustin Steenblock, Candace Philipson, Allan Huls, Desiree Rupp, Ryan Risbrudt, Katie Jo Johnson, and Jeremy Knick .  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.  The meeting was in closed session at 7:15 pm.
 
Chairman LaRue called the meeting to open session at 8:29 pm.
 
Mr. Huls joined the meeting.
 
Mr. Hoff introduced Resolution No. 09.07 relating to the termination and non-renewal of the teaching contract of Desiree Rupp, a probationary teacher.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  Voting in the affirmative:  Nelson, Spangler, Johnson, Wing, Hoff, LaRue.  Voting in the negative:  none.  Resolution passed.
 
Mr. Nelson introduced Resolution No. 09.08 relating to the termination and non-renewal of the teaching contract of Candace Philipson, a probationary teacher.  Mr. Johnson seconded.  Voting in the affirmative: Nelson, Spangler, Johnson, Wing, Hoff, LaRue.  Voting in the negative:  none.  Resolution passed.
 
Mr. Spangler introduced Resolution No. 09.09 relating to the termination and non-renewal of the teaching contract of Allan Huls, a probationary teacher.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  Voting in the affirmative:  Nelson, Spangler, Johnson, Wing, Hoff, LaRue.  Voting in the negative:  none.  Resolution passed.
 
Mr. Nelson introduced Resolution No. 09.10 proposing to place Tom Gronwold on unrequested leave of absence.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  Voting in the affirmative:  Nelson, Spangler, Johnson, Wing, Hoff, LaRue. Voting in the negative:  none.  Resolution passed.
 
Mr. Johnson made a motion to adjourn at 8:59 pm.  Mr. Hoff seconded.  MCU.
                                                                                   
                                                                                    ______________________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk