September 16, 2020

The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on September 16, 2020 in the Media Center of the School.  Chair Wing called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.  Member present:  Anderson via Zoom, Hoff, B. Johnson via Zoom, C. Johnson via Zoom, Rylander via Zoom, Spanlger via Zoom, and Wing.  Also present were Superintendent Niemann, Principal Moore, Renee Melby, Carol Koefod, Autumn Flickinger, and Jon Hansen via Zoom.
 
Minnesota School Board Association's School Board Chair Script for Use During Meeting Held by Telephone Conference or Other Electronic Means was read by Chair Wing.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Anderson moved to approve the agenda.  B. Johnson seconded.  Roll call vote:  B. Johnson-yes, Spangler-yes, Hoff-yes, Anderson-yes, Rylander-yes, C. Johnson-yes, Wing-yes.  MCU.
 
Recognition of Visitors:
 
Rylander moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of August 20, 2020 minutes
• Approval of August 2020 Financial Reports
• Approval of August 2020 Revenue and Expenditure Reports
• Approval of bills:  August Handpayables: $5,734.61, August Wire Payments: $83,686.04, September Bills $58,385.46
• Approval Personnel Changes- Accept the Resignation of Ruth Jordan, Approve Hiring of the following: Tracy Westrom  - 3rd Grade Teacher, Cole Ellison - 2nd Grade Teacher, Nicolle Bolinski – Paraprofessional, Courtney Atkinson – Paraprofessional, Harlie Huelsman – Paraprofessional, Kassidy Odegard, Paraprofessional, Katherine Suchy – Paraprofessional, Arlene Henry – Dishwasher, Lisa Burrington - Long Term Sub for 5/6th position
• Acknowledge Donations:  Viking Coca Cola - for Student Council Scholarships $800

 
 
Hoff seconded.  Roll call vote:  B. Johnson-yes, Spangler-yes, Hoff-yes, Anderson-yes, Rylander-yes, C. Johnson-yes, Wing-yes.  MCU.
 
Board Reports
Anderson reported on Region 1.
 
Wing reported on Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop and Lakes Country Service Coop.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Moore reported on the following:

• Early Entrance Conferences
• Student and Family Support
• First Week of School
• Communications including Instant Alerts, Seesaw, and Google Meet
• Technology for K-12
• 2020-21 Schedule
• Safety and Security:  Masks/face coverings, Screening, Signage in the School Building, Home Health Screening, Off-Campus Online College/Online Credit Recovery Consent Form, and Attendance Guidelines for Parents Document
• Back to School Workshop
• New Teacher / Staff Orientation / Mentorship Program
• Teacher and Employee Relations
• Assessment and Data
• Curriculum

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

• A bus driver will be returning following sick leave absence.
• Maintenance Projects:  Successfully transformed ITV Room and Computer Lab into classrooms.  Special thanks to the Custodial Staff for getting the school ready for another year.  New cleaning person is off to a great start.
• Enrollment update:  317 students K-12 at the beginning of the school year
• Update on the COVID numbers in Grant and Otter Tail Counties

 
Carol Koefod reported on 2nd Grade – the beginning of the School Year and teaching Distance Learning.
 
Autumn Flickinger reported on 1st Grade and the beginning of the School Year.
 
Discussion Items
Second Reading of Policy #522.
 
Facilities Needs Assessment Update and Next Steps including Ehlers.
 
MSHSL Discussion of bringing Football and Volleyball back yet this fall.
 
Action Items
Rylander made a motion to Certify the 2020 Payable 2021 Levy at $1,071,556.52.  Spangler seconded.  Roll call vote:  B. Johnson-yes, Spangler-yes, Hoff-yes, Anderson-yes, Rylander-yes, C. Johnson-yes, Wing-yes.  MCU
 
Hoff made a motion to adjourn.  B. Johnson seconded.  Roll call vote:  B. Johnson-yes, Spangler-yes, Hoff-yes, Anderson-yes, Rylander-yes, C. Johnson-yes, Wing-yes.  MCU.  Chair Wing called the meeting adjourned at 7:58 pm.
                                                                                                             
                                                                                                            Leslie Anderson, Clerk