February 22nd, 2007

​February 22, 2007
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on February 22, 2007 in the Media Center of the School.  Chairman Rylander called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Bestul, Graham, LaRue, Nelson, Risbrudt, Rylander, and Wing present.  Also present were Allan Jensen, Roger Jansen, Renee Melby, and Janel Trosvig.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Mrs. Graham moved to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. LaRue.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of January 18, 2007 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  January Hand-payables: $38,395.00, January Wire Transfers: $28,627.93, and February bills: $44,925.11.

Mr. LaRue seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
In honor of School Board Members Recognition Week Mr. Jensen handed out certificates of appreciation to the Board Members thanking them on behalf of himself, the school, and the community.
 
Chairman Rylander read a letter from Nancy Neiman informing the Board of her intent to return from her leave to her position for the 2007-2008 school year.  The Board acknowledged receipt of the notice.
 
Mrs. Trosvig gave a presentation on the high school choral and grade 4-6 elementary music programs.
 
Chairman Rylander read a letter from the Ashby Education Association of notice of intent to negotiate.  The Board acknowledged receipt of the notice.
 
Board Reports
Mr. Risbrudt reported on the proposed changes in the MSHSL regarding open enrollment.
 
Mr. LaRue reported on the brochure being developed jointly for the school and the city.  He reported on a proposed legislative bill addressing shared Superintendents.
 
Mrs. Wing reported that the Ashby Education Association is now holding monthly meetings and shared the brochure that has been developed.
 
Mr. Nelson gave a report on Region I and the Business Conference.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Jansen reported on the following:

• February is I Love to Read month. The elementary has been holding competitions and members of the Lions have been reading to them.
• Drop everything and read will be observed on March 2nd district wide with silent reading from 12:30 – 1:00.
•  We are currently at the mid point of 3rd Quarter. 
• Parent Teacher Conference attendance was down. 
• The Winter Sports season is winding down with tournament season beginning next week. 
• Mr. Jansen reported on the Secondary Principals Convention that he attended. 
• The Challenge Academy is again available for our high potential students this summer.

 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to pay one half of the registration fee of The Challenge Academy and provide transportation.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 
Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Jensen reported on the following:

• Legislative issues being addressed at the legislature.
• Day at the Capitol is March 7th.
• The Joint Legislative Conference for Cities, Counties, and Schools is March 28-29.
• Minnesota Association of School Administrators Conference is March 14-16.
• Bond refunding is still at about 3.75% and he continues to get monthly notices from Ehlers.
• The Ashby School Billboard hit the news with the Ready for K Organization as well as the Grant County Hearld.
• Phase III Training is available if any board members are interested.
• Reminder that the March board meeting is March 22nd.
• LCSC is hosting a MN Department of Education meeting on Q-Comp.  Two staff members will attend with him.
• We are moving toward the web based student information pieces for Fall of 2007.
• Several applications have been received for the new Para position.

 
Discussion Items
The 2006 pay 2007 levy limit has been revised (lowered) to $618,858.95 due to an Auditor error.
 
The Board reviewed the projected revenue under the Governor’s recommendation for 2007 Legislation.
 
The Board discussed the joint meeting with the Evansville School Board held January 31, 2007.
 
The activity directors memberships and costs were discussed.  No action was taken.  The Board asked the Administration to encourage the staff to belong to their prospective organizations.
 
Action Items
None.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to adjourn at 9:22 pm.   Mr. Risbrudt seconded.  MCU.
 
 
                                                                                    ______________________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk