December 16th, 2013

December 16, 2013


The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on December 16, 2013 in the Ashby School Media Center.  Chair Wing called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM with members Hoff, Johnson, LaRue, Nelson, Rylander, Spangler, and Wing present.  Also present were Superintendent Allan Jensen, Renee Melby, Chad Akerson, and Jessie Simon.


The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.


Spangler moved to approve the agenda.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.


Nelson moved to approve the following consent agenda:

• Approval of November 18, 2013 minutes.
• YTD Financial Report.
• Approval of bills:  November Handpayables: $33,606.44, November Wire Transfers:  $53,076.88, and December bills: $77,974.21.

Spangler seconded.  MCU.


Communication / Delegations
The Minnesota Rural Education Association Board election ballot was read and the Board cast a ballot.


Region 1 Board election ballots were distributed and ballots were cast.
 
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’s written report was distributed and Mr. Jensen commented on the following in his absence:

• Two lockdown drills and two fire drills have been practiced.
• The staff development trainings held on the early dismissal days have been well spent and are appreciated.
• The Rachel’s Challenge presentation was held on November 25th with Campbell-Tintah and Herman-Norcross students as invited guests.  A Rachel’s Challenge student advisory board has been formed to continue the ripple affect with the program at the Ashby School.
• The second round of staff observations will be completed by the holiday break.
• The Elementary Staff will have a recommendation for the Math Curriculum for the board at the January meeting.
• Mr. Tappe, Perry Butler, Chad Koep, and Jeff Risbrudt are attending the TIES Technology Conference.
• The ITV system seems to be working properly.

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

• The electric boiler has been cycled off more frequently than in the past.
• The air conditioning unit in the server room has not functioned properly and the problem is being resolved.
• A report was given on the ongoing transportation vehicle maintenance.
• Mr. Jensen attended the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunites meeting held in Battle Lake.  This is a great opportunity for students however there are several issues that would need to be dealt with.  His recommendation is to not commit at this time.
• A letter has been received stating that the Civil Rights review held on November 14, 2012 has been completed and the voluntary compliance file has been closed.
• MSBA Leadership Conference will be January 16-17, 2014 in Minneapolis.

 Mrs. Simon gave a report on 5th Grade.
  
 Mr. Akerson gave a report on Health and Physical Education.




Discussion Items
The following topics were discussed:  Affordable Care Act, the World’s Best Work Force, and the Teacher Evaluation Plan.


The Board reviewed the Truth and Taxation Meeting information.


The meeting was recessed at 5:35 pm.


The Truth and Taxation Meeting was held at 6:01 pm.


The meeting resumed to regular session at 6:30 pm.


Action Items
Johnson made a motion to approve the proposed Final Levy 13 Payable 14 Certification.  Rylander seconded.  MCU.


Chair Wing called the meeting adjourned at 6:32 pm.


                                                                                    ______________________
                                                                                    Warren Nelson, Clerk