October 21st, 2013

October 21, 2013


The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on October 21, 2013 in the Ashby School Media Center.  Chair Wing called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with members Hoff, Johnson, LaRue, Nelson, Rylander, and Wing present.  Absent:  Spangler.  Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Shane Tappe, Renee Melby, Barb Kraemer, Jeremy Knick, Rich Williams, Teshia Clemenson, Student Council Advisor Heidi Hoff, and Student Council Members: Madison VanSanten, Brianna Spangler, Sawyer Risbrudt, Riley Grecco, Miles Wing, Blake Ohren, Morgan Wing, Josey Ness, Jacey Schlosser, Gage Olson, and Hunter Fick.


The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.


Rylander moved to approve the amended agenda.  LaRue seconded.  MCU.


Nelson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of September 16, 2013 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  September Handpayables: $26,840.16, September Wire Transfers:  $49,694.73, and October bills: $108,419.12.

Johnson seconded.  MCU.


Communication / Delegations
Rich Williams addressed the Board with questions and concerns regarding bus policy and procedures.
 
Board Reports
Nelson gave a report on Region 1 and Lakes Country Service Coop.


Wing gave a report on Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop.


Principal’s Report
Mr. Tappe reported on the following:

• The Elementary School has been designated as a Reward School (top 15%) of the State.  Mr. Tappe accredited the rating to the increased time spent by the Staff with data, standards, and aligning the standards to the curriculum.
• The online platform of data collection for the Clarity by Brightbytes measurement tool has been started with data collection from the Staff.  The next step will be the student survey.  This tool will provide desegregated data to help determine the effectiveness of technology.
• The Second Chance Thrift Store designated September 2013 as the Ashby School month.  The store presented a check to the Ashby School in the amount of $4,000.
• Rachel’s Challenge Presentation will be on November 25th.
• The in-service days have been useful for staff development with the common goal being student achievement.
• The MinnCan tour stopped in Ashby and presented the award to the School.  It was a very positive experience and the staff did a great job with the day and the information was very well received.
• The Minnesota State High School League Bulletin included an article on the Brandon-Evansville vs. Ashby volleyball game observing “Orange out the Gym for Jordan”.  Mr. Tappe has received many positive communications for the support given by the Ashby Volleyball Team, Coaches, and fans.
• Mr. Tappe gave an update on Schoology which is currently being piloted.
• Mr. Tappe gave a Technology Update.
• The updated Crisis Plan will be distributed to each staff member to be placed in the classrooms.
• The City of Ashby and the Ashby School will host an Ashby Area Showcase on November 6th at the School.
• The Administration and Learning Readiness Teacher will have discussions on the PreSchool bussing concerns.

Spangler joined the meeting at 6:35 pm.
Heather Johnson joined the meeting at 7:20 pm.
 
Superintendent’s Report
Mr. Jensen reported on the following:

• The annual bus evacuation drills for 2013-14 are complete.
• Bus #4 is out for body repair work.
• New textbooks have been ordered for 9th Grade Social Studies.
• The newly installed adhered roof has eliminated the roof leaks.
• The sound system in the lower gym has been repaired.
• The State’s shift payback and early tax recognition payback has improved cash flow for the District.
• October is Minnesota School Principal Recognition month.  Mr. Jensen thanked Mr. Tappe for an outstanding job.  Mr. Jensen read the thank you proclamation issued by Governor Dayton.

Mrs. Kraemer gave a report on Library, Elementary Music, 7th Grade Study Skills, Media Arts, Video Club, Yearbook, and DAC testing coordinator .


Mr. Knick gave a report on First Grade and iPad Technology in the lower elementary.




Discussion Items
Heather Johnson from Carlson Highland presented the FY2013 Financial Audit Report.


Lakes Country Board Members Candidates were discussed.


Minnesota School Board Association Leadership Conference will be held January 15-17, 2014.


Action Items
Nelson made a motion to approve the Early Childhood Screening Contract with Stevens Traverse Grant Public Health.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.


Rylander made a motion to approve the fund raising request form from the Student Council.  LaRue seconded.  MCU.


Nelson made a motion to adopt the updated Crisis Management Plan.  Johnson seconded.  MCU.


Rylander made a motion to move to closed session in the Ashby School Media Center for the purpose of discussion of labor negotiations pursuant to M.S. 13D.03 Subdivision 1(b).  Spangler seconded.  MCU.  The meeting moved to closed session at 8:15 pm.


The discussion was of the current status of negotiations with Ashby Education Association and strategy options and expenditure targets going forward with negotiation talks.


The meeting returned to regular meeting for adjournment at 8:54 pm. 


Nelson made a motion to adjourn.  Hoff seconded.  Chair Wing called the meeting adjourned at 8:55 pm.


                                                                                    ______________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk