March 15th, 2010

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March 15, 2010
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on March 15, 2010 in the Media Center of the School.  Chairman LaRue called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with members Johnson, LaRue, Nelson, Rylander, Spangler, and Wing present.  Absent:  Hoff.  Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Tammy Schmuck, Cindy Welch, Andrea Moe, and Nick Story.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Wing moved to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Rylander.  MCU.
 
Nelson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of February 22, 2010 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  February Hand-payables: $2,713.60, February Wire Transfers:  $44,728.24, and March bills: $44,806.28.

 Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
A thank you from the English class was read for the Guthrie Theatre field trip.
 
Nick Story and Andrea Moe presented information requesting permission for the Senior Class Trip to Brainerd May 15-17.  Nelson made a motion to approve the Senior Class Trip as outlined.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Mrs. Welch’s Kindergarten class gave a sneak peak presentation of their upcoming Nursery Rhyme Program that will be held Thursday, March 18th, 2:00 pm in the Auditorium.
 
Perry Butler joined the meeting.
 
Board Reports
LaRue shared concerns from parents on students not being allowed to participate in dual spring sports.  Mr. Otte was directed to put together a policy to be presented at the next meeting.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• Kindergarten Roundup will be held April 13th, 4:30 – 5:00 pm followed by ECFE Night for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library kick off.
• The 2010-11 Kindergarten class will be small.  Discussion followed on the possibility of having every day Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year.
• A group of teachers attended an online presentation on Q Comp.  The Ashby Education Association is in the process of voting on participation.
• Mr. Steenblock is looking into the Industrial Arts Department putting classroom projects for sale through a bidding process.
• A policy on school dances is needed.

Johnson made a motion that all school dances have a maximum age of 20, and a minimum age for Prom of 9th Grade.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.

• B’s or Better Breakfast hosted by Glende-Nilson Funeral Home will be held March 18th for Grades 6-8.

·         The  bi-annual 7th and 8th Grade field trip to an Anne Frank Play will be April 8th.
·         The Toyota Grant that was submitted has not been funded.
·         The Minnesota Reading Corps Grant announcements are expected March 19th.
·         MCA testing for Reading, Writing, and Math will be conducted April 12th-30th, and the  Science test on May 21st.
·         A project Lead the Way presentation was presented.  CAD Academy and Project Lead the Way pre-engineering and pre-manufacturing curriculums are being pursued.
 
 
Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Jensen reported on the following:

• Notification has been received that Grant County will fund 80% of the costs for the upcoming ARMER Radio Conversion that will take place in 2011.
• The March 15, March 30, and April 15 State Aid payments will be delayed until May 30th.  Fifty percent of the Stabilization funds have been received.
• An update on the education issues of the Legislative session was given.
• The seven school Pomme de Terre Consortium is pursuing applications for the half time Curriculum Coordinator/ITV Director.

 
Mrs. Schmuck gave a demonstration in the 3rd Grade classroom on the Smart Board.
 
Chairman LaRue left the meeting at 7:50 pm turning the meeting over to Vice Chair Wing.
 
Discussion Items
Mr. Butler gave a report on the Technology Committee meeting and presented a list of technology capital outlay upgrades needed.  Nelson made a motion to approve the purchase of the FY2010 upgrades from the building fund and to enter into a 4 hours per month support agreement with Corporate Technologies.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Nelson made a motion to purchase a 2000 Thomas 14 passenger mini bus.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Mechanical engineer involvement in the electric boiler project was recommended for proper design and bidding consistency.
 
Johnson made a motion to accept the quote from Driggins Electric for replacement of the exterior lights with rebated LED lights.  Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
The discussion agenda item Board communications with the community was tabled.
 
Nelson made a motion to send collection letters for lunch account balances in excess of -$300.00 and that no meals will be provided without cash payment.  Wing seconded.  Discussion.  Nelson withdrew the motion, Wing withdrew the second.  Nelson made a motion to define chronic in the July 20, 2009 policy as -$300.00 or greater and allow 30 days before being turned over to a collection agency effective immediately.  Spangler seconded.  Discussion. MCU.
 
 Action Items
Spangler made a motion to accept the resignation of Girls Basketball Head Coach Position from John Kent and express the board’s gratitude for a job well done for twenty two years.  Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Rylander made a motion to set the date of a Special Meeting for final approval of the Bond Refunding Sale as March 29, 2010, 6:00 pm.  Johnson seconded.  MCU.
 
Johnson made motion to approve the 2010-2012 Administrative Contracts as presented by the negotiating committee.  Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Vice Chair Wing adjourned the meeting at  9:35 PM.
 
                                                                                   
                                                                                    ______________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk
 
Unofficial Minutes
March 29, 2010
 
The School Board of District 261 met in special session on March 29, 2010 in the Media Center of the School.  Chairman LaRue called the meeting to order at 6:07 PM with members Johnson, LaRue, Nelson, Rylander, Spangler, and Wing present.  Absent:  Hoff.  Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Tom Otte, and Renee Melby.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Nelson introduced Resolution No. 10.08 ratifying the award of the sale, determining the form and details, authorizing the execution, delivery and registration, and providing for the payment of General Obligation School Building Refunding Bonds, Series 2010A.  Wing seconded.  Roll call vote:  Rylander-yes, Nelson-yes, Spangler-yes, Johnson-yes, Wing-yes, LaRue-yes.  MCU.
 
Chairman LaRue adjourned the meeting at 6:19 PM.
 
                                                                                   
                                                                                    ______________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk