December 21st, 2009

​December 21, 2009
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on December 21, 2009 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, Ryan Bartosiewski, and Tanya Nelson.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Wing moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Rylander.  MCU.
 
The FY10 Budget and Levy Review for the Truth and Taxation Meeting was presented.
 
Johnson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of November 16, 2009, and December 14, 2009 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  November Hand-payables: $26,617.94, November Transfers:  $49,146.21, and December bills: $67,754.24.

  Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Communication/Delegations
None
 
Board Reports
Nelson gave a report on Region I.
 
Wing gave a report on Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• The K-12 Christmas Concert is being held this evening.
• A Grant for Project Lead the Way curriculum for Math, Technology, and Engineering is being researched with the possibility of doing a partnership with a neighboring district.
• A Grant application for Minnesota Reading Corps is underway.
• A High Potential Team of 8th and 9th Graders accompanied by Mrs. Kent attended a Fluid Power competition.  The Ashby team took 1st place in teamwork and 3rd place overall out of 23 teams.
• The Geography Bee will be held January 8, 2010.
• The Spelling Bee will be held January 26, 2010.
• There will be another H1N1 Clinic on January 5, 2010.
• A letter of intent to participate in a grant being written by Steve Slack for archery equipment has been sent.

 
Spangler made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:57 pm to attend the Christmas Program.
 
Chairman LaRue called the meeting to order at 8:50 pm.
 
Mr. Otte continued his report:

• The Fractal short term goals for reading comprehension are being used in the high school with the goal to impact test scores.
• Attendance issues are being dealt with.
• EDUSS will be introduced to Title I Parents for use at home.

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

• The Lighting Project has encountered some unexpected issues.  The cost will be up a little from the original bid but will prove a better product and payoff when done.
• A hot water heater in the boiler room is not working.  Due to high cost of replacement alternative solutions are being investigated. 

 
Ms. Nelson gave a report on 9th – 12th Grade English and College English.
 
Mr. Bartosiewski gave a report on High School Phy Ed and K-3 Phy Ed.  Jump Rope for Heart will be held February 1, 2010.
 
Discussion Items
Ballots for Region 1 Board election were cast.
 
Race to the Top Federal Competitive Grant that Minnesota is pursuing that Districts may opt in was discussed.
 
Action Items
Nelson made a motion to accept the 2009-2010 Ashby ISD 261 Seniority List.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Wing made a motion to accept the FY09 Audit.  Hoff seconded.  MCU.
 
Nelson made a motion to set the net operating referendum revenue for the 2009 pay 2010 levy at $275,000.  Wing seconded.  MCU.
 
Wing made a motion to change the January meeting date to January 11, 2010 and the February meeting date to February 22, 2010.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Nelson made a motion to adjourn at 10:29 pm.  LaRue seconded.  MCU.
                                                                                   
                                                                                    ______________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk