August 21st, 2008

​August 21, 2008
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on August 21, 2008 in the Media Center of the School.  Chairman J. Rylander called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Graham, Nelson, Risbrudt, D. Rylander, J. Rylander, and Wing present.  Absent:  LaRue.  Also present were Allan Jensen, Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Marcy Andreasen, and Joey Andreasen.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Mrs. Wing moved to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Mrs. Graham .  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of July 17, 2008 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  July Pre-paid: $43,525.85, July Wire Transfers: $24,191.07, and August bills: $92,307.64.

Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
None.
 
Board Reports
Mr. Nelson gave a report on Region I.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• The Staff Workshop schedule for next week.
• Open House will be Wednesday, August 27th, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
• ACT scores have been received.  Goals have been set to improve academics pertaining to ACT scores.
• The Trailblazer Math Training in Dassel Cokato was attended by the Elementary Staff.
• The refrigerated vending machine has arrived and will be offering healthy snacks.
• The Pepsi machines will be changed over next week offering healthy beverages.
• The After School Program is ready to begin September 2nd.  The West Central Initiative Grant application has been submitted.  The City of Ashby has pledged $5,000.00 for the 2nd year of operation.
• New happenings in technology include Genesis Student Information System, EDUSS Learning Software, updated Microsoft software, and additional Smart Boards being installed.  Other accomplishments have been Summer School and the beginning of All Day Kindergarten. 
• Additional Student Handbook changes were presented.

 
Mrs. Graham made a motion to approve the additional student handbook changes.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 

• There will be a follow up training for Genesis grade book for teachers in September with a possible early dismissal of students.

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

• In Service for staff next week will include an opening session Tuesday which the Board is welcome to attend and Thursday the Staff will attend a joint Staff Development activity in Battle Lake with area schools.
• Quotes will be attained for liability, property casualty, and vehicle insurance.
• The MSBA Area meeting will be September 10th, 6:30 pm, at West Central Area School.
•  School Board filing dates are August 26th through September 9th.

 
Joey Andreasen gave a report on 5th Grade and Football.
 
Marcy Andreasen gave a report on Athletic Director activities.
 
Discussion Items
The grant process for the After School Program through West Central Initiative was discussed.
 
Staffing for 2008-2009 is in place with the exception of one bus driver.
 
The Press Box replacement is underway.
 
Action Items
Mr. Nelson made a motion to approve work agreements with Jeremy Knick Kindergarten Teacher and Assistant Boys Basketball Coach, Andrea Knick Assistant Volleyball Coach, Tia Peters Cheerleading Advisor, and Kacie Holcomb Jr. High Volleyball Coach.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Mrs. Wing made a motion to approve the Student Teacher Agreement with Bemidji State University.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Risbrudt introduced resolution No. 09.01 relating to the election of School Board Members and calling the School District General Election.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  Roll call vote:  Nelson – yes;  Wing – yes; Risbrudt – yes;  D. Rylander – yes;  Graham – yes;  J. Rylander;  Absent – LaRue.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to approve the Choral Music Contract for Candace Philipson.  Mr. D. Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to adjourn at 9:15 pm.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
                                                                                   
                                                                                    ______________________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk