October 18th, 2007

​October 18, 2007
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on October 18, 2007 in the Media Center of the School.  Chairman Rylander called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Graham, LaRue, Nelson, Risbrudt, Rylander, and Wing present.  Absent:  Bestul.   Also present were Allan Jensen, Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Camille Schultz, Dustin Steenblock, and Brian Jacobson.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Mr. Nelson moved to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Mrs. Graham.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of September 20, 2007 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  September Hand-payables: $39,525.64, September Wire Transfers: $27,777.88, and October bills: $34,069.94.

Mr. LaRue  seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
Brian Jacobson from Carlson Highland & Co. LLP presented the 2006-2007 Audit Report.
 
Board Reports
Mr. Nelson gave a report on Region I.
 
Mrs. Wing reported on the Special Ed Coop Board Meeting and the Ashby Education Foundation upcoming event “Harvest of Memories” which will be held October 28, 2007, 2;00 PM. 
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• The Fund raisers were presented for approval.  Mrs. Graham made a motion to approve the fund raisers as presented.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
• The Elementary teachers participated in a Webinar on a math curriculum supplement.
• Homecoming went well with positive feed back.
• PLAN test for 10th grade, PSAT test for 11th grade, and Iowa Basics have all been completed.
• Next week the Army National Guard will be bringing a rock climbing wall to be used in Phy Ed.
• The Career Fair will be held November 7th.
• The date for the Musical Oklahoma has been changed to December 7-9th.
• The Math Curriculum is being reviewed and training videos will be used as well as bringing in trainers for a staff development day.
• The County wide Early Childhood event Fall Fun 511 will be held at Ashby on November 13th for families and children up to age 12.
• A new foreign exchange student will enroll next week.
• Volleyball playoffs begin next Thursday.
• Football playoffs begin Tuesday.
• We are currently researching Assessments for Reading to be used for the 1st Grade.

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

• An update on the heating system.  Repairs have been done on the faulty boiler.  Leo has completed his boiler licensing.  The chemical balance in the system is being analyzed.
• MREA Conference will be October 24-26.  MSBA Leadership Conference will be January 16-18.
• Winter preparedness of snow removal equipment, school delay/closing communication, and heating systems are complete.
• The County wide effort for Crisis preparedness/Emergency response communications is on going.  We are reviewing our Crisis Management Plan.  A lock down drill was held October 17th.
• Mr. Jensen congratulated Coach Johnson, Coach Andreasen, staff, and athletes for jobs well done and wished them good luck in the tournament playoffs.
• Our advisors continue to give updates on bond refinancing options.
• Mr. Jensen attended and Early Childhood Education and Care Conference which was devoted to the gap in student achievement and school readiness for the age 0-3 population.

 
Camille Schultz gave a presentation on Elementary and High School Art Classes.
 
Dustin Steenblock gave a presentation on the Ag Programs and FFA.
 
Discussion Items
Radio advertising options were discussed.
 
The I94 Billboard Lease is up for renewal with no change in cost.
 
Mrs. Graham made a motion to purchase a Kawai rebuilt piano from Carlson Music.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to enter a lease/purchase agreement for a 10 passenger van.  Mr. Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Action Items
Mr. LaRue made a motion to approve the Administrative Assistant work agreement with Kristin Spangler.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to approve the School Secretary work agreement with Heidi Hoff.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Mrs. Graham made a motion to accept the gift of 5 guitars from Fergus Music.  Mr. Risbrudt seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. LaRue made a motion to approve the Resolution to Support Application for MSHSL Foundation Grant.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  Roll call vote:  Nelson – yes; Graham – yes;  Risbrudt – yes;  Wing – yes;  LaRue – yes;  Rylander – yes.  Absent – Bestul.  MCU.
 
Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to accept the retirement of Sue Krohn effective October 31, 2007.  Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Nelson made a motion to hire Bob Torgrimson as Head Boys Basketball Coach.  Mrs. Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Mr. Risbrudt made a motion to adjourn at 9:05 pm.   Mrs. Graham seconded.  MCU.
                                                                                    ______________________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk