February 21st, 2018

​The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on February 21, 2018 in the Media Center of the School.  Vice Chair C. Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with members Anderson, Hoff, B. Johnson, C. Johnson, Rylander, and Spangler present.  Absent:  Wing.  Also present were Superintendent Niemann, Principal Nate Meissner, Renee Melby, Emily Nelson, Andy Peterson, and Marie Hoffman.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Anderson moved to approve the amended agenda, Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Rylander moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of January 17, 2018 minutes.
• Financial Report for January 2018.
• Approval of bills:  January Handpayables: $21,967.84 January Wire Payments:  $66,568.77, and February bills:  $48,157.97.
• Personnel Changes: 

                  Approve Suzanna Ecker Full Time Administrative Assistant
                  Approve Andrea Ness Part Time Administrative Assistant
                  Accept Retirement of John Kent – Science, Athletic Director, Coach

• Acknowledge Donations:  Ashby Equity Make a Difference Grant - $416 for Library furniture
• Approve Fundraisers for Baseball Club – Fishing Trip Raffle (run by Coots Unlimited), Baseball hat sales

Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Annual Community Education Report was presented by Community Ed Director Marie Hoffman.
 
Board Reports
Wing’s written report was distributed on Fergus Falls Special Education Coop Executive Board, Ashby Education Foundation, and Lakes Country Service Coop.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Meissner reported on the following:

• Sessions he attended at the MN Association of Secondary School Principals Conference.
• Paraprofessional evaluations.
• Meeting with the Student Council
• 100th day/100 year celebration activities.
• John Baylor Prep has been renamed to On to College.  Mr. Peterson and Mrs. Cadmus are coordinating the Juniors and the curriculum.
• A Bullying Presentation for Grades K-5 with Viktor the Viking and a Vikings Cheerleader was held today.
  
  

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

• Upcoming professional development that he will be attending:  MASA day at the Capital February 28, 2018, MASA/MASE 2018 Conference March 8-9, 2018, Spring Wellness Conference April 18, 2018.
• Update was given on busses.
• Building maintenance projects were discussed.
• Enrollment update was given.
• Legislative update was given.
• Ehlers and Associates will attend the April Board Meeting to provide information on a possible re-financing of the School District’s bond issue.
• Thank you given to Ashby Education Foundation for the support given to the Ashby School.
• Thank you was given to the Board Members in honor of School Board Appreciation Week. 

 
Emily Nelson gave a report on Kindergarten and First Grade Reading Intervention and Sixth Grade Computer.
 
Andy Peterson gave a report on Counseling and High School.
 
Discussion Items
Second Reading of Policies 516 – 532.
 
Action Items
B. Johnson made a motion to approve the 2017-18 Seniority List for Certified Staff.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Hoff made a motion to authorize Suzanna Ecker to sign Student Activity checks.  Anderson seconded.  MCU.
 
Hoff made a motion to approve the 2018 Pay Equity Report.  B. Johnson seconded.  MCU.
 
Spangler made a motion to purchase a 2019 International 59 capacity school bus.  B. Johnson seconded.  MCU.
 
Rylander made a motion to approve Policies 516 – 532 of the Ashby School District Policies.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Anderson made a motion to adjourn.   B. Johnson seconded.  MCU.  Vice Chair Johnson called the meeting adjourned at 7:17 pm.                                                                                                            
                                                                                                            Leslie Anderson, Clerk