March 23rd, 2009

​March 23, 2009
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on March 23, 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, Rylander, and Wing present.  Absent:  Spangler.   Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Jeanne Miller, Carol Koefod, Desie Rupp, Bonnie Pfeffer, Lisa Wigdahl, Marcy Andreasen, Lori Risbrudt, Vince and Karla Mickelson, Ron and Joan Jaenisch, and Larry Ness.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Mrs. Wing moved to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Mr. Nelson.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of minutes February 4, 2009, February 11, 2009, and February 18, 2009.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  February Pre-paid:  $26,716.90, February Wire Transfers:  $45,761.04, and March bills:  $49,428.27.

Mr. Hoff seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
Vince and Karla Mickelson addressed the board concerning the NCAA Clearinghouse.
 
Member Mr. Spangler joined the meeting at 6:10 pm.
 
Larry Ness addressed the board concerning Post Secondary Enrollment Options.
 
Board Reports
Mrs. Wing gave a report on Ashby Education Foundation.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• March 31, 2009 will be Kindergarten Roundup and Preschool Parent Meeting
• April 13 grades 7-12 will be attending the Blue Eyes/Brown Eyes Presentation by Jane Elliott in Fergus Falls.  The Student Council will pay the admission.
• The 2nd Crisis Planning Meeting will be held March 31, 2009 at 7:00 pm.
• A para-professional is currently out on sick leave.  The staff is planning a Volleyball Tournament benefit for April 25th to help with medical expenses.
• He will be attending Army National Guard Education Day on April 1st.
• Lakes Country Service Cooperative Honors Banquet will be attended by the four top GPA Seniors.
•  National Honor Society letters were mailed today to potential new members.
• Weekend events have included Youth Basketball Kids in Buckets, K & A Saturday Open Gym for kids and adults, and Elementary Baseball Clinic is upcoming.
• Grant County Fun Festival will be held April 18th at West Central Area School in Barrett.
• A pedestrian / vehicle incident initiated a review of cross walk laws by law enforcement with student drivers.
• B’s or Better Breakfast for grades 6-8 sponsored by Glende-Nilson Funeral Home was held March 23rd.
• Spring Sports practices are underway.
• A foreign exchange student from Germany will attend next school year.

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

• Flooding and road concerns that may affect the district.
• Legislature news on school funding including the three state budget proposals, aid payment shift, and tax shift.  Other legislative issues including 09-10 Calendar start date and type III bus driver rules.
• The federal stimulus money details are still being worked on at the state and federal level as well as what impact it may have for schools.

 
Mrs. Pfeffer gave a report on 2nd Grade.
 
Mrs. Miller gave a report on Special Education.
 
Mrs. Risbrudt gave a report on High School English.
 
Discussion Items
Minnesota State High School League and Ashby School eligibility rules were reviewed.
 
Action Items
 
Mr. Spangler made a motion to grant a three year Leave of Absence requested by Bonnie Pfeffer.  Mr. Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Bids for the 1996 bus were opened:  Steve Johansen $575.00, C&I Repair $500.99.  Mr. Nelson made a motion to reject all bids.  Mr. Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to accept the gift of $300.00 from the Ashby Legion for Science Fair and the gift of $12,664.23 from the Ashby Education Foundation for the following grants:  High School Math T1-Nspire calculators $767.00;  Music Room Smart Board $2,680.00;  Science – 2 electronic die cut machines $877.88;  Social Studies Room (M. Andreasen) Smart Board $2,230.00;  5th Grade Room Smart Board $2,230.00;  English Room 6 computer stations $1,137.44;  Title I Room 6 computer stations:  After School Program $1,000.00.   Mr. Johnson seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Hoff made a motion to accept the letter of intent to negotiate from Ashby Education Association.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Johnson made a motion to endorse the MAELC Grant Application from the Ashby Ag Department.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to accept the recommended budget reductions of $176,700.00 and introduced resolution No. 9.05 discontinuing and reducing educational programs and positions.  Mr. Rylander seconded. Voting in the affirmative:   Spangler, Johnson, Hoff, Nelson, Wing, Rylander, LaRue.  Voting in the negative:  none.  Resolution passed.
 
Mr. Spangler made a motion to adjourn at 9:00 pm.  Mr. Johnson seconded.  MCU.
                                                                                   
                                                                                    ______________________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk