January 22nd, 2009

​January 22, 2009
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on January 22, 2009 in the Media Center of the School.  Vice-Chairman LaRue called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Hoff, Johnson, LaRue, Nelson, Spangler, and Wing present.  Absent:  D. Rylander.  Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Tom Gronwold, and Allan Huls.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Mr. Nelson moved to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Mrs. Wing.  MCU.
 
An Oath of Office Ceremony was held for new elected member Peter Hoff. 
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to nominate Mr. LaRue as Chairman and moved to cast a unanimous ballot.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.  Mr. Nelson made a motion to nominate Mrs. Wing as Vice Chair and moved to cast a unanimous ballot.  Mr. LaRue seconded.  MCU.  Mrs. Wing made a motion to nominate Mr. Nelson as Clerk and moved to cast a unanimous ballot.  Mr. Spangler seconded.  MCU.  Mr. Nelson made a motion to nominate Mr. Rylander as Treasurer and moved to cast a unanimous ballot.  Mr. Johnson seconded.  MCU.  Mrs. Wing was appointed as Special Education representative.  Mr. Spangler was appointed as MSHSL representative.  Mr. Johnson was appointed as Legislative Liaison.  Mr. LaRue, Mrs. Wing, and Mr. Hoff were appointed to the Negotiations Committee.  Mr. Rylander, Mr. LaRue, and Mr. Nelson were appointed to the Finance Committee.  Mrs. Wing, Mr. LaRue, and Mr. Johnson were appointed to the Planning Committee.
 
Mr. Nelson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of December 18, 2008 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  December Pre-paid:  $26,337.31, December Wire Transfers:  $46,181.77, and January bills:  $492,103.09.

Mr. Hoff seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
None
 
Board Reports
Mr. Nelson gave a report on Region I and MSBA Convention.
 
Mrs. Wing gave a report on Special Ed Coop, MSBA Convention, and Ashby Education Foundation.  Mrs. Wing was appointed to continue as the Board Representative on the Ashby Education Foundation Committee.
 
Mr. LaRue gave a report on Governor Pawlenty’s State of the State Address and issues affecting Education.
 
Mr. Gronwold gave a report on High School Social Studies.
 
Mr. Huls gave a report on Instrumental Music and an update on the upcoming Music trip in March 2010.

Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• Attendance percentages have improved over last year. 
• Snow Week activities will begin on Saturday January 31st with Coronation and conclude with a Dance on February 7th.
• Parent Teachers Conferences are set for March 2nd.  At 7:00 that evening there will be a meeting for sophomores and their parents for PLAN test interpretation.
• Elementary Teachers attended a Reading Best Practices Session in Battle Lake on the Staff Workshop Day on January 16th.  High School Teachers reviewed student data to find strengths and weaknesses and explored interdisciplinary ways to develop higher order thinking skills in students.   
• Mr. Otte will be attending the State Principals Conference next week.
• The Spelling Bee will be held next Friday.

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

• This week is Paraprofessional Week and thanked them for their service.
• The security alarm system has been updated.
• A Legislation update was given.
• The one missed day due to weather was made up on Monday January 19th.

 
Discussion Items
Propane needs for 2009-2010 were discussed.  The Board directed Superintendent Jensen to purchase propane when the market is favorable.
 
The Woods mower was discussed.
 
Action Items
Mr. Nelson introduced Resolution No. 9.04 directing the Administration to make recommendations for reduction in programs and positions and reasons therefore.  Mr. Johnson seconded.  Roll call vote:  Spangler – yes;  Nelson – yes;  Johnson – yes;  Wing – yes;  Hoff – yes;  LaRue – yes.  MCU. 
 
Mrs. Wing made a motion for the Official School Information as follows:  Official Depository – First State Bank of Ashby, Official Newspaper – Ashby Dalton Post.  Mr. Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to set Board Compensation at $0.  Mr. Johnson seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Johnson made a motion to set the Official Meeting time and place as 3rd Monday of each month, 6:00 pm, Ashby School Media Center.  Mr. Hoff seconded.  MCU.
 
Mrs. Wing made a motion to set a new member orientation meeting for February 4, 2009, 7:00 pm in the Media Center and a meeting for the full board on February 11, 2009, 6:00 pm in the Media Center for Budget planning.  Mr. Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to adjourn at 9:50 pm.   Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
                                                                                   
                                                                                    ______________________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk