December 20th, 2010

​December 20, 2010
 
The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on December 20, 2010 in the Media Center of the School.  Chairman LaRue called the meeting to order at 6:20 PM following the Truth and Taxation Meeting with members Hoff, Johnson, LaRue, Nelson, Rylander, Spangler, and Wing present.  Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Principal Tom Otte, Renee Melby, Kathy VanSanten, and Heidi Kent.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
 
Wing moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Hoff . MCU.
 
Rylander moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of November 15, 2010 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  November Hand-payables: $57,900.61, November Wire Transfers:  $46,966.23, and December bills: $62,100.90.

Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Communications
Congratulations were given to Warren Nelson being elected to the Lakes Country Service Cooperative Board of Directors.
 
Board Reports
Wing reported on Fergus Falls Special Ed Coop.
 
Spangler inquired about the weapons policy regarding students with leathermans in their possession during ball games.  Principal Otte will inform the students and will be enforcing the policy at events.
 
Nelson reported on Region 1.
 
Principal’s Report
Mr. Otte reported on the following:

• The football coaches are requesting permission for a fundraiser pancake breakfast at the Ashby Legion to raise funds to encourage football athletes to attend summer camp.  Spangler made a motion to add the football fundraiser to the previously approved fundraiser list.  Nelson seconded.  MCU.
• The drug dog search performed last week was clean.
• The 6th – 9th grade students attended a “Lock Down” presentation by Climb Theatre at the West Central Area School on bullying.  When the students returned there was a follow up to the presentation with students writing papers with a summary reported back to the classes by Mrs. Sturgeon.  There was also a parent follow up meeting that evening on cyber bullying.
• The MN Reading Corps re-application for 2011-12 has been submitted.  Mr. Otte reported on the successes of the program with students meeting benchmarks.
• The Targeted Services Program is running successfully.
• The 2 additional defibrillators are schedule to be installed December 27th.
• Former exchange student Carlos Melgar spoke to the 10th – 12th grade encouraging them to appreciate the opportunities and freedom that they have.
• The Geography Bee will be January 10th.
• The Spelling Bee will be held in February.
• The January 17th Workshop Day will include a presentation on Autism and work on the Professional Learning Communities.
• There has been a student and parent request for an exception to the on-line learning policy due to a schedule change.  Johnson made a motion to waive the normal on-line college course policy as requested. Nelson seconded.  MCU.

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

• Recommendations are being sought on the ongoing issue of leakage on the gym roof/wall.
• Recommended bus lease/purchase that is in the FY11 Budget wait until the Legislative Session has concluded.
• The electric boiler has been used almost exclusively to provide all heat to this point.  There are a few items from the final punch list from the Engineer that need to be completed.  There may be a need to make some additions to the control system for increased efficiency.
• The 1st draft of the Q Comp Application for FY12 was not accepted.  The Ashby Education Association is meeting to see if they wish to keep it active.
• Insurances have been switched over to Continental Western.  A refund of unused premium will be received upon completion of the Indiana Workers Compensation audit.
• MSBA Leadership Conference in January will be attended by two board members and Superintendent Jensen.  

 
Mrs. Kent gave a report on Knowledge Bowl and Jr. High Physical Science, English, and Health.
 
Discussion Items
Region I Board Election ballots were cast.
 
Softball Scoreboard revenue sources was tabled.
 
Action Items
Nelson made a motion to adopt the 2010-2011 Ashby ISD 261 Seniority List as presented.  Spangler seconded.  MCU.
 
Johnson made a motion to approve the 2010 Pay 2011 Levy Certification of $896,994.06.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.
 
Wing made a motion to approve the work agreement for Suzanna Ecker as Special Ed Paraprofessional.  Nelson seconded.  MCU.
 
Board Member Nelson presented departing member Scott LaRue with a bell thanking him for his service to the School District.
 
Chairman LaRue called the meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.
 
                                                                                    ______________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk