September 20th, 2010

​September 20, 2010
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on September 20, 2010 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, Spangler, and Wing present.  Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Carol Koefod, and Jeanne Miller.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Nelson moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Wing. MCU.
 
Wing moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of August 16, 2010 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  August Hand-payables: $28,585.95, August Wire Transfers:  $28,331.18, and September bills: $83,900.33.

Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
 
Board Reports
Wing reported on Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop and Ashby Education Foundation.
 
Nelson reported on Region I.
 
LaRue encouraged the Board to read the articles on education in the Time Magazine.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• The current requirements of the Math Grad test.  He is recommending that Juniors that do not pass the Grad test be required one semester of Math in their Senior year.
• Curriculums that are being reviewed this year are English Grades 7-12, Phy Ed and Health, and Science Grades 3-5.
• This school year the Staff is continuing to set Smart (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-oriented, and Timebound) Goals.  Improvements in test scores are partially the result of these initiatives.
• Homecoming is October 15th.
• Parent Teacher Conferences are October 18th.
• The Science Museum of Minnesota will be here September 28th presenting Physical Science based on energy for Grades 4-6.  This is made possible by an Ottertail Power Grant.

 
Chairman LaRue expressed his concern for the loss of students in the Music Program.  Discussion followed.
 
Chairman LaRue has asked the Administration to make a recommendation on the next step for the Football Program.  Discussion followed.
 
Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Jensen reported on the following:

• School opening ran smoothly.  Bus routes had some minor changes after the 1st day.  K-12 enrollment is 249 which is down from last year.
• The Meal Account policy put into place is working fairly well.
•  Bus maintenance costs reflect some major repairs to seats and seat cushions which is being looked at in this bus inspection review.  Also new tires have been installed on all vehicles that needed tire replacement.  Overall he reported he felt good with safety factor of vehicles.
• Bus routes are reflecting expanded mileage as we now dip into 6 other school districts for open-enrollment.
• There has been a visit from the Minnesota Office of Pupil Transportation Safety which indicates improvements needed on documentation of inspections and training.  They will revisit in 5-6 months.
• Bus replacement in the current budget for a lease/purchase option will be re-evaluated in the spring after the Legislative session.
• The electric boiler project is on schedule with the boiler to be shipped on September 24th and a completion date of the project of September 30th.
• The U.S. Department of Education awarded $167.7 million to the state to support education jobs.  Ashby will receive approximately $50,000 and it appears it can be used for current staffing.
• An on-line payment system for parents is being looked at.
• Lakes Country Service Coop Board has openings for 4 candidates.  LaRue made a motion to nominate Warren Nelson.  Johnson seconded.  Roll call vote:  Hoff-yes;  Spangler-yes;  Rylander-yes;  Wing-yes; Nelson-yes;  Johnson-yes;  LaRue-yes.  MCU.

 
Mrs. Koefod gave a report on 2nd Grade.
 
Mrs. Miller gave a report on Special Ed.
 
Discussion Items
There is an opportunity to cast a ballot for the MSBA Insurance Trust election of trustees.  Clerk Nelson will cast the ballot.
 
There is an opportunity to be involved at the MSBA Leadership Conference.
 
MSBA Fall Area Meeting will be in Fergus Falls on September 22nd, 6:30 pm.
 
There was a discussion on FY11 and FY12 budgets and the proposed Levy 2010 Pay 2011.
 
Action Items
Rylander made a motion to approve the 2009-10 ISD 261 Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Achievement Report, and distribution by website publication at www.ashby.k12.mn.us.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Wing made a motion to approve Annual Assurance of Compliance with State and Federal Discrimination Laws.  Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Nelson made a motion to grant Allan Jensen and Renee Melby authority to electronically transfer funds as allowed by MS471.38 between money market and checking accounts.  Hoff seconded.  MCU.
 
Action Item 8.4 was moved to 8.8.
 
Spangler made a motion to approve the list of 2010-11 Fund Raising Activities.  Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Nelson made a motion to approve contracts for Robert Anderson as night custodian, and Sam Quernemoen as Assistant Boys Basketball Coach.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Wing made a motion to approve the request for a one year leave of absence from Pam Liester.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Johnson made a motion to set the proposed 2010 Payable 2011 Levy below the maximum allowed to:  General Voter approved Operating  Referendum $250,000.00 (to establish anticipated $285,000 in total levy revenue),  General Referendum Market Value $19,070.02, General Net Tax Capacity $87,654.33, Community Service $17,550.21, General Debt Service $520,824.10 which is a 3.9% reduction in taxes from 2010. Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Chairman LaRue called the meeting adjourned at 10:00 pm.
 
                                                                                    ______________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk